By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Idiroko, under Comptroller James Ojo, who assumed office in April has sent a message to smugglers in his jurisdiction as his men made a total of 103 seizures, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Three Hundred and Eighty Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eleven Naira (₦380, 370,911).
Comptroller Ojo, who disclosed this on Thursday at his maiden media chat in Abeokuta said, the seizures consist of 2, 922 bags (50kg) of foreign parboiled rice, 32 bales of used clothing, 1,603 cartons of frozen products, 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,596 pieces of pneumatic (used) tyres and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), among others.
According to him, the seizures, made at different locations within the state, was attributable to the “intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network, such as the Customs
Intelligence Unit (CIU), the DSS and others”.
He stated that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the Cannabis Sativa, is Eighty-Seven Million, Forty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-Four Naira (₦87,041,696); Rice – One
Hundred and Twenty-four Million, Nine Hundred and Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twelve Naira (₦124,903,812), while the tyres is Forty-Two Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Four Naira (₦42,172,704).
Below is the full text of the briefing:
TEXT OF THE MAIDEN PRESS BRIEFING OF COMPTROLLER JAMES OJO, CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER OF OGUN I COMMAND ON THE INTERCEPTION OF CANNABIS SATIVA, USED PNEUMATIC TYRES AND OTHER SMUGGLED PROHIBITED ITEMS HELD AT ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE
1. A warm greeting to you all this afternoon. We appreciate and are pleased to have you in our midst on the occasion of our maiden press briefing orchestrated by our achievements within the 23 days of assumption of duty in Ogun State.
2. Recall that I took over the leadership of the Command on 16 April 2024 from my predecessor, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu at the Command’s conference room, Idiroko. Since then, we hit the ground running, and to the glory of God, it is with pleasure we announce to you our anti-smuggling exploits and other achievements recorded.
3. During the period under review, the Command made a total seizure of 103 items comprising 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa; 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amount to N380,370,911. It is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS and others.
4. Permit me to briefly highlight the adverse effect of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, pneumatic tyres and foreign rice.
a. Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It has devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths. The rise in its abuse is of great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other criminalistics.
b. Foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries, and shipped into the country after use over Seas. These tyres are deemed unsuitable for our highways because, significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates. According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy.
c. Rice is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. Its importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands. This policy of the FGN may be perceived as difficult and unfriendly, but has a long-term great benefit when embraced. For instance, the much-appreciated foreign rice is a local produce in the countries of exportation, and these countries commenced their production with insignificant quantity before getting to their present commercial status. In a nutshell, the persistent smuggling of rice will continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation. We will overcome the economic situation in the country by God’s grace. Let us give the required support and cooperation to Nigeria Customs Service, and by extension to the FGN to improve our social security and economic wellbeing.
5. To complement our anti-smuggling exploits, the Command generated the sum of N14,628,661 as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products. Presently, the trading activities across the border is not encouraging but effort is ongoing to address the identified challenges that hinder the flow of trade. We are hopeful that this will enhance our revenue profile significantly. Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support. On this note, I will like to send a note of warning to economic saboteurs to steer clear of smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade. Anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law.
6. In conclusion, the Command wishes to reaffirm our dedication to duty and commitment to ensuring safety and well-being of our people. We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate in Ogun State with utmost patriotism. Your support and cooperation with mutual understanding will assist in facilitating our economic growth and social wellbeing. While rounding up, I humbly appreciate the enabling support given by the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+) and his management team. It will be an oversight not to recognize and appreciate the concerted and collaborative efforts of our gallant officers as well as our critical stakeholders. Thank you all and God bless.
