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Tag: customs

  • Customs intercept three boats loaded with marijuana

    Customs intercept three boats loaded with marijuana

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday said it had intercepted three boats loaded with marijuana along an unnamed waterway in Lagos.

    The Customs Zone `A’ Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Edike, made the disclosure in Lagos while speaking at a Stakeholders` Forum organised by the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

    Edike said the boats were intercepted by officers of the Western Marine Command on Sunday, adding that the smugglers had been arrested and would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    The zonal coordinator said that smuggling activities on waterways had been on the increase in recent times.

    He, however, said that men of the service were fully on the alert to check illegal activities of water smugglers.

    “Smugglers have resorted to using the waterways to carry out their nefarious activities but I can assure you that men of the service are up to the task to check this criminality.

    `Just three days ago, our men intercepted three boats fully loaded with marijuana. Our men from the Western Marine Command got the smugglers.

    “We will increase our patrols both on land and waters to ensure that smugglers and other economic saboteurs have no hiding place, “the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Edike as saying.

    He said that the service would not yield to calls in some quarters to take away its men on some Federal highways as the deployment was meant to check smugglers who used the highways to carry out their illegal activities.

    The zonal coordinator said men of the service had made large seizures of arms from smugglers on some highways, especially around Idiroko in Ogun and Iseyin in Oyo State

    Edike said the incidents justified continuous patrols by officers on the highway.

    He said more officers had been deployed to bush routes used by smugglers around Seme border, saying that the strategy was to ensure that smuggling activities were limited in the area.

     

  • Decentralise licence office, Customs chief urged

    Decentralise licence office, Customs chief urged

    Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hameed Ali (retd) has been urged to decentralise the issuance and renewal of licence from the headquarters to operational zones across the country.

    The Zone ‘A’ Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG), Charles Edike, made the suggestion when he visited the National Secretariat of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in Lagos.

    He praised ANLCA and its leadership for cooperating with officers and men of the service over the years, hoping that the focus on Customs by the Federal Government for more revenue would be met by all of them.

    The Customs chief advised the agents to speak out against injustice.

    ANLCA Zonal Coordinator Sir John Ofobike said there was an urgent need to decentralise so that Customs zonal offices would be effectively in control of all the commands under them.

    ALNCA kicked against the blockage of licences of their members without contacting the owners, the menace of camp boys/touts at the ports and alleged intimidation of their men, especially by Customs officers and other security agents.

    The group also wants Customs to address what it called double standard in the valuation of vehicles by its valuation units.

    The agents appealed to Edike to help them in stemming the ferrying of containers to Lilypond and KLT commands and to assist in protecting their members from fraudulent use of their licences.

     

  • Customs to stop hackers of agents’ pin codes

    Customs to stop hackers of agents’ pin codes

    The Zonal Coordinator, Zone `A` of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General Eporwei Edike, on Thursday said that the service would ensure it stopped hacking into pin codes of clearing agents.

    Edike made the disclosure during his visit to the Secretariat of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in Lagos.

    He said that Customs would set up a new platform on the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), adding that this would stop fraudsters from accessing the pin code.

    “Clearing agents should stop giving their pin code to their co-staff because the staff also used their bosses’ pin code and ran into a lot of malfunctions.

    “The next platform on our NICIS will not give anybody access to the pin code because the pin numbers will be hidden, “ Edike said.

    He urged all agents to take full advantage of the training given by the NCS, adding that the service would continue to engage the agents in training to make their jobs easier.

    Edike also urged the agents to make honest declaration.

    He said that, “If any agent is having problem with cargo clearance after genuine declaration, such an agent should visit a superior customs officer and complain.’’

    The zonal coordinator said that there was need for agents to stop corruption in clearing process.

    According to him, if any customs officer over-charged any agent, such an officer would refund the illegal money, if only the management was aware.

    Edike said that if any officer also delayed clearing process, such an officer would pay back the agent if the consignments accumulated demurrage in the process of cargo clearance.

    Speaking earlier, the President of ANLCA, Mr Olayiwola Shittu, commended the zonal coordinator for his commitment and transparency toward his primary assignment.

    Shittu urged the customs zonal coordinator to assist the agents in reducing face-to-face contacts during cargo clearance.

    He described human contact in processing cargo clearance as a means of extortion money of agents by some Customs officers.

    According to him, this usually leads to accumulation of demurrage.

    Shittu said that there was need to stop quacks in clearing and forwarding business,

    “I will be happy if Customs grants ANLCA the privilege to take at least two Customs officers to Ghana to learn about the Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAAR) Home Delivery Value of clearing cars out of the ports.

    “The Transaction Value process being used by Nigeria Customs is difficult and not accessible for clearing of cars,’’ Shittu said.

    He said that ANLCA “is a member of the World Customs Brokers Association which had exposed the association to many international training on clearing procedures.’’

    Shittu, however, urged members of the association to stop giving their co-staff their pin code in the course of cargo clearance.

    He pledged the association’s support for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, to surpass his target of N1 trillion.

  • Customs seizes poultry products

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ in Owerri, the Imo State capital, has impounded a 40-foot container laden with prohibited 2,000 cartons of imported frozen poultry products.

    The items, it was gathered, were concealed in 3,300 crates of Lacasera drinks worth N53.3 million. The arrest was made on Benin expressway, Edo State.

    The products, The Nation learnt, were preserved with substance used in preserving bodies.

    Its Area Controller, Haruna Mamudu said the command also seized 1,500 cartons of the same products last January.

    According to him, 27 seizures worth N219.2 million were made by the unit on February 12. An underpayment of N65.4 million was recovered during the month.

    Haruna bemoaned the importation and consumption of the dangerous products and advised Nigerians to desist.

    He warned smugglers to desist from the illicit trade or be prepared to face the law, adding that stiff penalties await anyone caught engaging in the prohibited trade.

  • NUJ files N500m suit against Customs

    The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has filed N500 million suit against the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) for alleged assault on a journalist Yomi Olomofe at the Seme Border Post.

    Addressing a news conference  at the Secretariat of the NUJ in Ikeja Lagos, counsel to the union and victim, Jiti Ogunye said the suit was before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Also joined in the suit are the Comptroller of Customs Mohammed Ndalati; Deputy Comptroller Emmanuel Nkemdirim; Assistant Comptroller; Ibrahim Turaki and the Comptroller-General Ahmed Ali.

    Others are the Nigerian Customs Service Chief, Sam Ibiye, Alhaji Momoh (aka Basket), Mr. Shehu and Mr. Elijah.

    In the suit, the applicant asked the court for a declaration that the beating meted out to him by the Respondents, which inflicted bodily and internal injuries on him on June 25, last year in the premises of the NCS, Seme, was “capable of infringing on his right to life as guaranteed by Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.”

    Besides, he prayed the court to declare that the beating on the said date in the course of discharging his professional duties and obligations constituted an infringement on his rights to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.

    Ogunye said in addition that the NUJ, in one of its prayers, is asking the court to make a pronouncement against the treatment meted out to the journalist who was presumed dead and left at a refuse dump after the attack.

    Ogunye said Olomofe was beaten black and blue within the premises of the NCS at the Seme Border Post about six months ago by persons believed to be working for the N CS.

    The lawyer said the assault on the journalist by unidentified persons within the premises of Nigerian Customs Service was in clear violation of his fundamental human rights.

    He explained that medical reports indicated that the journalist who is still recuperating suffered severe injury and psychological trauma after the incident.

    The human rights lawyer lamented that it was unfortunate that journalists have continued to be battered by security agents and the powers that be notwithstanding the important role they play in the society and being the Fourth Estate of the Realm as bestowed on them by the Constitution.

    Also speaking at the press conference, the National President of the NUJ , Alhaji Waheed Odusile and the state chairman of the union, Deji Elumoye vowed that the group will not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet, saying they will see it to a logical end.

    Odusile noted that letters written to the police and the Nigerian Customs Service for thorough investigation into the matter many months ago have not been replied nor responded to, saying that it was an indication that such assault was premeditated.

    He insisted that the union will not allow media practitioners to be intimidated in the course of their duty so long they are working within the ambits of the law and according to the ethics of the profession.

    Mr Elumoye, on the other hand said media practitioners must fully support the course of getting justice for Olomofe, adding that injury to one is injury to all.

  • Customs goes tough on smugglers

    Customs has intensified the war against smugglers, following directive from Comptroller-General Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (retd).

    The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Lagos has seized 3,328 cartons of smuggled frozen poultry products.

    The market value of the seized products, it was gathered, is N17.9 million.

    Its Area Comptroller, Dahiru Umar, told The Nation that items were seized at various locations within the zone under his coverage.

    “The unit is working very hard to change its modus operandi to suit the exigencies of the moment and to ensure that its remains on top of the smugglers antics in all ramifications, particularly in terms of enhanced intelligence network,” he said.

    The renewed onslaught, he said,  led to the interception of an articulated truck suspected to be used in conveying large quantity of smuggled frozen poultry products. The controller also described the team leader as a highly committed officer whose contribution to the seizure profile of the unit cannot be quantified.

    The controller also said  he was not worried that a truck purportedly used in conveying alcoholic beverage was used to conceal the poultry products. Two suspects, he said, were arrested in connection with the seizures.

    “Investigations are ongoing to determine the level of involvement of the suspects before charging them to court and determine the degree of complicity of the truck owners in the unlawful act.

    “The unit has been a thorn in the flesh of smugglers. The smugglers must expect a tougher onslaught on them because we cannot afford to fail in the discharge of our statutory mandate of suppressing smuggling. I have visited some of the heads of critical security agencies of the Federal Government so that we can form a formidable front in the fight against smuggling.

    “I advise smugglers in this zone to invest their money in more legitimate businesses and avoid smuggling because the more you smuggle, the more we seize. We also call on the general public to oblige us with useful information on the activities of smugglers,” he pleaded.

  • Customs impound 1, 035 bags of smuggled rice

    Customs impound 1, 035 bags of smuggled rice

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun State Area Command, has impounded about 1,035 bags of smuggled rice from smugglers.

    The bags of rice were intercepted penultimate Sunday at Idogo Community near Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, while 10 vehicles used in smuggling them were also impounded.

    About seven truck-loads of unprocessed wood, allegedly being exported illegally out of the country were also seized penultimate Friday from smugglers from Republic of Benin.

    The unprocessed wood was seized from smugglers at Ijoun community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State while being taken to Republic of Benin, according to the new Area Controller of Ogun State Area Command, Mr. Multafu Waindo.

    The vehicles used by the smugglers have Republic of Benin’s number plates and have been moved to the Abeokuta headquarters of the Ogun State Customs Command. Controller Waindo said the seizures marked the beginning of tough times for smugglers in the state.

    He said: “On February 5, 2016, our operatives arrested six trailers with number plates: AU3121RB, BA9064RB, AY7203RB, AV4002RB, BA7930RB and a truck with number plate AX3245RB, transporting unprocessed wood.

    “Unprocessed woods are prohibited from being exported out of the country. Only processed ones are allowed to be exported out of the country, and they must have been cut to small sizes. Five persons who were foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the act. They did not understand English; they only spoke French. They are currently being detained while preliminary investigations are ongoing.

    “In another development, on February 7, 2016, while acting on a tip-off, our operatives stormed the Idoko area and arrested 10 vehicles loaded with 1,035 bags of smuggled rice. The vehicles and the bags of smuggled rice were immediately taken to a government warehouse.

    “Despite the fact that some of the fleeing smugglers removed the batteries, tyres and steering wheels from the vehicles, we towed them down to Abeokuta.”

    The Ogun customs boss disclosed that the command had made about 55 seizures including 25 fairly-used vehicles, 1,161 cartons of frozen poultry products, second-hand tyres, cannabis sativa, and other items. He said: “The command has held meetings with stakeholders on the need to shun smuggling. Some have turned a new leaf while others turned deaf ears. I want to tell smugglers to follow the due process by paying the necessary duties on their goods. We are determined more than ever before to stop all illegalities in Ogun State.”

  • One held as Customs seizes arms, ammunition

    One held as Customs seizes arms, ammunition

    The Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), Tin-Can Island Command, yesterday arrested a man for allegedly concealing arms and ammunition in a container.

    The Area Conmptroller, Mr Yusuf Bashar, said the collaboration among security agencies in the command led to the interception of the prohibited items.

    The seized items, according to him, included 980 rounds of live 9mm ammunition, one Taurus pistol with number THX43606.

    Others included military ware, a pair of black boot, a military face cap, a pair of camouflage hand gloves and an army coloured plastic container.

    He added that the contents of the box were prohibited items for individuals, adding that the materials can only be imported by the Army.

    “We believe that there must a sinister reason for the importation of the prohibited materials. There is a network of moving and distributing these arms and ammunition,” he said.

    According to him, the cargo was shipped from the United States and concealed in a 40-foot container number CRHU452745/2.

    The suspect, he said, has been handed over to the Department of Security Service (DSSS).

    The command generated N24.8 billion last month, surpassing the N20 billion realised in January, 2015.

     

  • Customs eyes over N1tr revenue

    Customs eyes over N1tr revenue

    The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hammed Alli  (rtd) yesterday reiterated the determination of the service to exceed N1trillion revenue  this year by plugging all leakages and ensuring that the system works perfectly.

    He however said the NCS was yet to get its 2016 revenue target from the  Budget Office.

    Alli spoke with reporters at 2016 International  Customs Day celebration at the NCS Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

    He said: “We have not received the target from the Budget Office yet. But we normally set target for ourselves. We are looking at targeting all we could, blocking all the revenue leakages and making sure that all the systems work perfectly. And hopefully, the policy of government will also be in our favour. We hope to cross the N1trillion mark.”

    Alli said the NCS  fund raising method is a factor of trade facilitation that is  based on export and import, adding that he would strive to block leakages and ensure that the system worked perfectly.

    He said once that is achieved, the NCS would collect the accurate duty and deposit in the Federal Government vault.

    “Ours is dependent on trade facilitation. It is dependent on export and  import. What we will do inward is to be able to re-invigorate our own system, block all the leakages and make sure the system is working perfectly.

    “With that, once we get influx of export, import and collect the right duty, we will put it in the coffer of government,” he said.

    On assets declaration, Alli noted that the officers of the NCS were already complying. He however vowed to apply the law on officers that refuse to comply with the asset declaration directive.

    He said: “I believe my officers are obedient.  And when we get there and they don’t comply, we will apply the law as it is. But for now I am sure they will comply. “

    He warned operatives and stakeholders of the service not to abuse the e-customs process.

    He insisted that any attempt to compromise the system will not be tolerated.

    He said: “In line with the change mantra of the present government, let me therefore remind all operatives and stakeholders alike not to abuse the process and corrupt the system. Any act calculated to distort and compromise the integrity of the e-customs will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate sanctions.”

  • ‘Customs’ assets declaration order legal’

    The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has said the directive given by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to its officers to declare their assets is  consistent with the law.

    Last week, the Comptroller- General of the NCS, Col. Hammed Alli (rtd) gave his officers a two-week deadline to declare their assets or face sanctions and this move has been commended by the National President of CDHR, Malachy Ugwummadu.

    In a letter made available to The Nation, Ugwummadu said: “This is a welcome development which can promote the culture of transparency and accountability and also institutionalise the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

    “Such measure pursued by the Nigerian Customs will certainly secure the integrity of the organisation which is pivotal in the revenue generation strategy of Nigeria.

    “The directive as issued by the Comptroller enjoys full legal backing pursuant to the Bank Employees (Declaration of Assets) Act CAP B1 Laws of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria 2004 and will certainly boost the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.‘’

    The CDHR urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the heads of other parastatals and agencies of the Federal Government to direct their employees to declare their assets, just like the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) did.

    Ugwummadu said this would be “a concerted effort to deepen transparency and accountability in Nigeria”.

    He continued: “This is clearly the purpose of Section 12(2) of the Act which empowers the Nigerian president to direct by an instrument published in the Federal Gazette that the provision of this Act be applied to any other person, class, employees, institution or bodies either in the private or public sector of the Nigerian economy.

    “You would recall that the on-going trial of CBN staff at Ibadan for fraudulently converting billions of naira meant to be disposed as “disuse” became possible partly due to the non-implementation of this Act.”

    The CDHR said it would mobilise the Nigeria people towards compliance with this demand and also “monitor the punishment of offenders under Section 8(1) of the Act, particularly the forfeiture of assets not declared pursuant to Section 8(2) of the Act”.

    ‘’It is hopeful that such initiative development when properly practised will set the tone needed to invigorate the fight against corruption in Nigeria,’’ he added.