Customs to check illegal importation of firearms with Advance Ruling System

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, has said the instruction of the Advance Ruling System by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will bring to an end the illegal importation of firearms and all other substandard goods into Nigeria.

Adeniyi who disclosed this on Monday, at a sensitisation programme on the operations of the Advance Ruling System organised for officers in Lagos, also urged officers of the service to adhere to the NCS rules of engagement.

Speaking at the event, the CGC pointed out that Section 24 of the Customs Act empowered officers to prohibit unwholesome goods from being imported into the country.

Adeniyi who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Saidu Yusuf, said the Advance Ruling System as well as other recently introduced trade facilitation tools mandates applicants or importers to, first declare the status of items to be imported, and that it allows officers of the service to ask questions on classification of consignments, types of consignment and origin of the consignment and valuation beforehand.

He explained that at the end of filling up the status, a certificate will be issued to the consignee or importer or applicant for a moderate fee as deemed fit by the government.

He revealed that it will bring to an end the illegal importation of firearms as well as fake and substandard items which he said are flooding the country’s market.