Customs seizes N1.5 bn goods in Lagos, Ogun

It was gathered that the goods were being smuggled into the country through unapproved routes.
Addressing newsmen, Customs Comptrol-ler in charge of FOU, Zone A, Ikeja,  Nuhu Mamud, said the unit under his watch made a total of 3,553 seizures of prohibited goods valued at N1.3 billion. He maintained that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the items stood at N1 .5 billion.
“This figure represents a significant impro-vement from the report of 2012. Comparatively speaking, it accounts for over 50 per cent in terms of the Duty Paid Value and other variables. It is important to state that consequent upon the ban on rice importation through the land borders, the command beamed its searchlight on some volatile areas, particularly along the waterways, which have been identified as flashpoints with a view to blocking all loopholes and supply chains,” he added.
He noted that the federal government placed a ban on foreign frozen poultry as a proactive measure to protect the investments of local farmers.
Comptroller Mahmud also appreciated the efforts of some Nigerians who have always availed the unit with necessary intelligence information that continuously assist the operatives in prosecuting the campaign against smuggling.
“I must warn all those who engage in the unpatriotic act of smuggling to desist forthwith as the unit is even more propelled to deal ruthlessly with these enemies of our dear country. I assure you that we will not rest until we reduce smuggling to its barest minimum,” he said.