By Adedapo Adesanya
The Kano/Jigawa Customs Command generated N7.7 billion as revenue, covering customs duty and other charges in the first quarter of 2021, indicating a 94.1 higher than N3.9 billion in the same period last year.
This was disclosed by the Area Controller in charge of the Command, Mr Suleiman Pai Umar, who briefed journalists on the activities of the command between January and March this year.
According to Mr Pai Umar, “The difference recorded was made possible because of robust stakeholders’ engagement, officers resolute in discharging their duties and an increased level of compliance in the trader’s zone.”
He also stated that made seizures of various contraband goods with a duty paid value of N38.6 million within the period under review.
According to him, “the eagle-eyed operatives of the Command succeeded, within the period under review, in botching the illicit attempts of smugglers to ferry into the country various contraband goods.
“The Command made a total of 26 seizures which includes: foreign rice, second-hand clothing, spaghetti, milk, foreign soap and used tyres.”
He itemised the seized items to include 716 bags of 50kg foreign rice valued at N20,764,000; 162 cartons of spaghetti valued at N14,620, 000; 85 cartons of Macaroni valued at N850,000; 90 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N38,100,000; two cartons of milk valued at N30,000; 240 cartons of soap valued N4,080, 000; and 520 pieces of used tyres valued at N3,120,000.
Mr Pai Umar lamented that, “it is very unfortunate and disturbing that the wide awareness on the dire consequences of smuggling activities on economic growth and development, some citizens still perpetuate this criminal act for their selfish interest.”
He, however, assured that, “the Nigeria Customs service’s zero tolerance for smuggling is non-negotiable and the Service will do everything in its capacity to fight it.
“Over time, the Kano/Jigawa Area Command has been tackling the incessant activities of smugglers within our territories/borders, an activity which has been affecting the Nation’s economy and a major contributor to our current insecurity.
“We will not relent in intensifying our efforts to curb this menace.”
While thanking other security agencies, the press and the Kano Emirate Council for their continued support, the customs boss, charged smugglers and other criminals to embrace legitimate trade and comply with government policies and directives, saying, “by doing this, we would make our country safe and fruitful for all.
Dipo Olowookere