Ali vows more clampdown as Area II Command seizes 87 containers with N1.1b DPV

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, retired Colonel Hameed Ali, has vowed more clampdown on those still bringing in banned prod its into the country.
Ali said this on Thursday when he addressed newsmen at Area II Command, Onne Port, where 87 containers with Duty Paid Value of over N1.1 billion had been seized.
He said the seizures was one of the gains of the closure of Nigeria’s borders with some neighbouring countries.
He said: “It is with profound gratitude to God that we are here again, counting the gains of the ongoing partial border closure. This is in line with our continuous drive to prevent the importation of harmful and prohibited items into the country.
“The on-going partial closure of land borders across four geo political zones in the country has led to increased desperation by smugglers who are now diverting their activities to our seaports.”
Reeling out the feats of Area II Command, Ali said a total seizure of 87 containers with DPV of N1,107,728,944.69 from January 1, 2019 to date were recorded.
He gave the breakdown of the seizures as 20 container of tomatoes with a total DPV of N272,261,026.69; 10 containers of vegetable Oil worth the sum of N58,380,528.00; 34 containers of roofing tiles amounted to the sum of N505,687,096.00; 11 containers of expired rice totaling the sum of N102,352,800.00; one container of machetes with a total DPV of N36,347,786.00; nine containers of expired vegetable oil and jam worth the sum of N117,614,232.00; one container of expired baby wipes with a total DPV of N9,041,714.00; and one container of scrap metal amounting to the sum of N6,043,780.00.
Ali added: “These seizures are in line with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004, Sections 46 and 161.
“Let me reiterate our concern and determination to do all it takes to protect the wellbeing and safety of all citizens and residents by preventing the devastating effect of these hazardous importation and smuggled items. They endanger our lives as Nigerians hence will not be allowed to find their ways into the markets.
“As a responsible Agency, Nigeria Customs Service will not disappoint on its mandate of enforcing compliance by maintaining zero tolerance to smuggling activities, irrespective of whoever is involved and under whatever circumstance.
“Let me assure you that a thorough investigation will be conducted with a view to bringing all connected to justice.
“We shall continue to apply stringent sanctions on any act capable of compromising our efforts towards achieving better efficiency in the discharge of our mandate.
“I commend my officers in Area II Command, Onne Port for job well done.
“The Command’s revenue collection of eighty-nine billion, seven hundred and fifty-four million, eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty-four naira, and eighteen kobo (N89,754,878,264.18) from 1st January 2019 to date is commendable.
“I urge you to sustain this effort and possibly surpass your 2019 target.
“Let conclude by appreciating our media friends for informing and educating the public about the activities of NCS. We must continue to join hands to achieve Nigeria of our dream.”