By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has announced the seizures of 20 containers of expired tomato concentrates at the PTML Customs Command.
The Comptroller General who stated this while briefing newsmen during his routine visit to Western Zone said his visit aimed at shedding light on a momentous achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and discouraging unlawful practices, especially on false declarations.
Adeniyi said that the seizure marked a historic milestone in the history of the command.
“We have successfully intercepted and detained a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of this command,” he stated.
The CGC emphasized that operations of this nature align perfectly with the goals he has set for the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership.
“Our primary objectives are to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of our nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses,” he reiterated.
Giving details of how the containers were seized, Adeniyi noted that on the 8th of August, 2023, during a routine examination, vigilant officers at PTML uncovered a cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption.
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He narrated that the expired tomato concentrates were concealed in 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited.
“In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums, with duty paid value of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).
“The container numbers involved in this illicit operation are as follows: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351.
” As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation”, Adeniyi stated.
Speaking further, he stated that the seizures were processed through three separate single good declarations (SGDs) forms, which is a testament to Customs unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and the determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
CGC stated that the actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravened the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
The Customs boss added that it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.
He warn importers and their agents to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into the country.
“The audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable. I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide,” Adeniyi assured.
“It is essential to reiterate that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to our regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties,” he announced
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