…Seize 8 Trailers Of Foreign Parboiled Rice
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, announced a revenue generation of N100,132,756.00 in the month of April, 2022.
Idiroko border in Ipokia Local Government area of Ogun State is linking Nigeria to Benin Republic, via Igolo.
You will recall that, before the closure of the Nation’s land borders in 2019 by the Federal Government, the border used to be a beehive of activities.
Hybrid Online News Nigeria reports that the Area has since become desolate, dry and deserted, having negative effects on people whose livelihood depend on activities at the border.
Recently, the Federal Government on Friday April 22, 2022, approved the reopening of four additional land borders shut in August 2019 as part of efforts to curtail smuggling and boost local production of rice.
A circular released by the Nigeria Customs Service, signed by Deputy Comptroller-General E. I. Edorhe, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, listed the borders as Idiroko border post in Ogun State, Jibiya border post in Katsina State, Kamba border post in Kebbi State and Ikom border post in Cross River State.
The circular titled, ‘Re-opening of four additional Nigerian border posts’ sighted by Hybrid Online News Nigeria read, “Sequel to the Presidential directive dated December 16, 2020, granting approval for phased reopening of land borders namely; Mfum, Seme, Illela and Maigatari borders across the country, I am directed to inform you that four additional borders listed below have been approved for re-opening.
“Idiroko border post, Ogun State (South-West Zone); Jibiya border post, Katsina State (North-West Zone); Kamba border post, Kebbi State (North-West Zone); and Ikom border post, Cross River State (South-South Zone)
“Consequently, all Customs formations and Joint Border Patrol Teams are to take note and ensure that proper manning takes place in compliance with extant operational guidelines.”
The Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Customs Command, Comptroller Bamidele Abiodun Makinde fsi mni psc+, who confirmed the development during a press briefing today, at the Command Headquarters, said the duty paid value of the seized items was N100,132,756.00.
He said, “During the period under review, the Command generated the sum of Six Million and Forty Eight Thousand, Five Hundred Naira, Zero Kobo (6,048,500.00) from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as petrol, intercepted at different locations and exit points to Republic of Benin during our anti-smuggling operations. With the recent phased re-opening of additional four (4) Border Posts (including Idiroko Border Post), we are hopeful that our revenue collection will improve significantly”
“I am glad to inform you that the Command’s concerted effort in suppression of smuggling activities has continue to yield good results”
“We are able to record a total seizure of 4,603 bags/50kg each of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent of 8 trailer loads). It is important to note the huge damage this quantity of rice would have done to the Federal Government Rice Agricultural Policy if allowed to get into the Nigerian markets”
Other seized items according to the Area Controller include: 37,450 Litres of PMS (1,498 kegs of 25 litres each), 300 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products, 3 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa, 900 Pieces of Machetes, 7 Bales and 7 Sacks of foreign used Clothing, including 2,195 Pieces of foreign used shoes, 1,020 Pieces/451 Pieces of New/Used Ladies’ Hand Bag, 89 Cartons of foreign Wine, 22 Cartons of Noni Berry Daily Drink, 8 Units of Vehicle (means of conveyance), 2 Units of Foreign Used Vehicle (Tokunbo), 2 Units of Motorcycle (means of conveyance) and 35 Cartons and 12 Packets of Tomatoe Paste.
In addition, the command also seize 19 gun boat engines worth over seventeen million, three hundred and eleven thousand,four hundred and nineteen Naira (17,311,419.00)
Furthermore, Comptroller Makinde stated that the cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of all the seizures in the month of April, 2022 amounted to one hundred million, one hundred and thirty two thousand, seven hundred and fifty six naira, zero Kobo (N100,132,756.00).
“I wish to re-instate here that our intelligence network in the Command is continuously strengthened for an improved and efficient performance. We deploy intelligence in virtually all
our operations in the area and greater successes are being recorded on a daily basis”
In addition, the CAC warned the criminal elements in the state that in whichever way and methods you plan your smuggling activities, we shall definitely uncover it, make seizures and arrests which could inflict gross financial injury on such perpetuators.
The CAC appreciated the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd), his management team, the officers and men of the Command and critical stakeholders, members of the media, other security
agencies and traditional rulers for their collaborative efforts and synergy with the service while carrying out our statutory mandate in the state.
Makinde pointed out that the Command will continue to leverage on the already harnessed competences of its hard working personnel to carve a niche and remain outstanding in the performance of its statutory mandate.
The Controller posited that the Command remains committed to the change mantra of the CGC and will not renege on it’s statutory responsibilities.