Customs impounds 8 truck full of imported foreign rice, other items worth N1.76bn in Lagos
In September, eight truckloads of imported parboiled rice and other products worth N1.76 billion were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja.
The acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr Adewale Adeniyi, stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday.
The seizures, according to Adeniyi, occurred at various times and locations along the border corridors of the South-West states.
He went on to note that by conducting meticulous documented inspections and issued demand notices to individuals who paid less than the required customs duty, the unit made N72.8 million in revenue.
Agriculture, he says, is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and illustrates the Federal Government’s dedication to self-sufficiency and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“In alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice.
“The objective of this action is twofold; to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers,” he said.
Adeniyi noted that beyond the parboiled rice seizures, the operations of the unit yielded significant results in September with the interception of various goods.
He said the goods include 35,100 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel and 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes.
Others were one 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items, one 20-foot container of unprocessed wood.
“Also included are 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry, 55 pieces of used fridges, 110 pieces of used compressors, 148 cartons of foreign soap, 121 cartons of expired hair oil and 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo),” he said.
According to him, several of these seizures are still being investigated.
He went on to say that 14 people had been seized in connection with various crimes.
He stated that the offenses include breaking import/export standards, concealment, undervaluation, incorrect classification, smuggling, and policy direction violations.
Adeniji, on the other hand, asked importers and licensed agents to submit honest statements, follow existing import and export norms, and avoid losing their investments.
“Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders,” he said.