The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has successfully intercepted seven containers that failed to meet import prohibition guidelines, reinforcing the Comptroller-General of Customs’ zero-tolerance policy for smuggling.
In a press briefing, the Customs Area Controller, BO Olomu, announced the seizure of 2x40ft containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlasses and machetes, 2x40ft containers with 4,129 packages of frozen hens, a 40ft container with 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing, and a 40ft container of expired pharmaceuticals from China.The duty paid value (DPV) of these items amounts to ₦292,244,857.00.
Olomu highlighted that these imports violate Schedule 3 of the revised import prohibition list of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. He credited the seizures to a combination of intelligence and diligent enforcement, ensuring that no consignment exits Apapa Port or any terminal under the command without proper examination.
“As a working principle, the command will continually sustain and improve on trade facilitation and maximum revenue collection without compromising the enforcement of our extant laws as they pertain to false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and under valuation,” Olomu stated.
He emphasized the command’s commitment to enforcing the requirements of sister regulatory agencies, such as NAFDAC in the case of food and drugs, and the strict implementation of end-user certificate rules for products requiring authorization from relevant authorities like the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Reiterating the Comptroller-General’s warning against smuggling prohibited items, Olomu assured that only consignments meeting the integrity test of compliance will be allowed through the port, whether as import or export cargoes.
The Customs Area Controller expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and cooperation from government agencies and promised that the seized items would be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and regulatory action.
Abubakar Usman, Public Relations Officer for the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, affirmed the command’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s import and export processes and protecting the country from illegal goods.
