Customs buys four patrol boats for Western Marine Command
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has procured four additional patrol boats for the service's Western Navy Command for counter-smuggling operations. The command also disclosed that it had intercepted contraband with a duty paid value (DPV), of N110.2 million, between January and March 2023.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos recently, Compt. Oduadu Salefu, revealed that three more boats are expected from the builder, bringing the total number of new boats to seven.
Account. Salefu, further stated that the two existing command boats; MV Group of Nine and MV Customs Pride are currently being repaired and will soon be deployed to complete the new ones.
Salefu said the cumulative analysis of seizures was; 1,519 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice; 8,825 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 468 barrels of 25 liters each.
Others are, 700 pairs of shoes used overseas; 20 second-hand foreign ladies' bags; 88 cartons of Caro White Cream (beach cream), 50 pairs of expired tires, 3 outboard boat motors and a water pump.
"All items were seized at various intervals during the reporting period," he said.
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He added that following crackdowns, five suspects had been arrested and granted administrative bail, pending trial.
"In accordance with the responsibilities conferred on the NCS by the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria LFN 2004 as amended, the Command continues to suppress smuggling along the South -Western Waterways and Streams.
“All actions of our officers are in accordance with the provisions of Sections 149 (Power of Vehicles/Vessels) and 158 (Power to Patrol Freely) of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004, as amended.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the importation of foreign parboiled rice, HS code 1006.30.1000, has been restricted in Nigeria by the Federal Government since March 2016.
“Any improper importation of foreign rice, contrary to the restriction of permitted trade routes, is subject to confiscation, pursuant to Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as changed,” he said.
The customs boss revealed that five suspects were arrested during the period, but were granted administrative bail pending charges against them in court
Comptroller Salefu noted that currently some command personnel are undergoing training with the Nigerian Navy on maritime safety and security, pointing out that the service has continued to train and retrain officers and men on maritime activities.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has procured four additional patrol boats for the service's Western Navy Command for counter-smuggling operations. The command also disclosed that it had intercepted contraband with a duty paid value (DPV), of N110.2 million, between January and March 2023.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos recently, Compt. Oduadu Salefu, revealed that three more boats are expected from the builder, bringing the total number of new boats to seven.
Account. Salefu, further stated that the two existing command boats; MV Group of Nine and MV Customs Pride are currently being repaired and will soon be deployed to complete the new ones.
Salefu said the cumulative analysis of seizures was; 1,519 bags of 50 kg foreign parboiled rice; 8,825 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) contained in 468 barrels of 25 liters each.
Others are, 700 pairs of shoes used overseas; 20 second-hand foreign ladies' bags; 88 cartons of Caro White Cream (beach cream), 50 pairs of expired tires, 3 outboard boat motors and a water pump.
"All items were seized at various intervals during the reporting period," he said.
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He added that following crackdowns, five suspects had been arrested and granted administrative bail, pending trial.
"In accordance with the responsibilities conferred on the NCS by the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria LFN 2004 as amended, the Command continues to suppress smuggling along the South -Western Waterways and Streams.
“All actions of our officers are in accordance with the provisions of Sections 149 (Power of Vehicles/Vessels) and 158 (Power to Patrol Freely) of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004, as amended.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the importation of foreign parboiled rice, HS code 1006.30.1000, has been restricted in Nigeria by the Federal Government since March 2016.
“Any improper importation of foreign rice, contrary to the restriction of permitted trade routes, is subject to confiscation, pursuant to Section 46 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as changed,” he said.
The customs boss revealed that five suspects were arrested during the period, but were granted administrative bail pending charges against them in court
Comptroller Salefu noted that currently some command personnel are undergoing training with the Nigerian Navy on maritime safety and security, pointing out that the service has continued to train and retrain officers and men on maritime activities.
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