There are fresh indications that the European Union has donated two scanning machines to the Nigeria Customs Service of four West African countries, including Nigeria Customs, Benin Republic, Ghana and Togo to be operated at the Seme Krake and Noepe-Akanu joint border posts.
Custom Area Controller in charge of Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Compt Uba Garba Mohammed gave the indication yesterday while briefing journalists at the newly- commissioned border post.
Uba stated that while the revenue realized at the command in two months of his assumption of office was N2billion, 850 items with duty paid value of N378, 344,118.00 were equally intercepted.
The two joint border posts were built by the European Union and managed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
The customs boss said that all facilities at the border post including internet facilities, office appliances were brought by the EU.
Addressing the scanning machines imported, he said: "The issue of scanner and other electronic devices are equally going to be provided by the organization. I wish to bring it to your notice that I learnt that two scanners have arrived, they were imported through Cotonou port, one belonged here while the other one belong to Togo"
"We have our scanning machine which we would continue to use to make sure that goods that are not allowed are prevented from entering, while goods that are meant to pay duty are the ones strictly allowed to be scanned by the machine. When in doubt about the image of goods being scanned, such goods are subjected to physical examination and the customs will take appropriate decision".
While giving a breakdown of the seized items, the customs boss said 16,729 bags of 50kg foreign rice which is equivalent to over 27 trailer-load of rice were intercepted within two months. The duty paid value (DVP) is N302,477,049.
Others include: 115 cartons of imported frozen poultry products with DPV of N728,654.
57 gallons of 50 litres vegetable oil with DPV of N400,440, 111 pieces of used tyres at N859 345 and 45 vehicles N134,410536,00
Compt Uba said 19 out of the 45 vehicles were tokunbo cars while the others were used to convey smuggled items. According to him, rice and vehicles have been banned by the federal government, they are placed on outright seizure.
Already, he said seven suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures, while some were convicted, bailed and currently detained in connection with the seizures and are undergoing interrogation for possible prosecution.
According to him, "it is obvious that the seizures represent protection of the economy and security of our people. Let me state clearly that it is simply not enough to inform you about the revenue and seizures (with the DPV); what is of paramount importance is to boost our economic growth and provide employment for our teeming youths"
"Take for instance, the government policy on rice; the rationale behind the policy is geared towards self-sufficiency in terms of food production that would meet the demand of the citizenry"
"Incentives have been created for rice farmers, individuals and state governments have committed so much in terms of finance in order for this goal of self-sufficiency to be actualized"
"We as a Command cannot afford to be complacent. The dangers inherent in this illegality are too numerous to mention, hence our resolve to fight them relentlessly"
"Among the seizures recorded, are imported frozen poultry products. As you are aware, such products are unhealthy and very dangerous for human consumption due to the chemical substance used in preserving them, which are carcinogenic"
"For the avoidance of doubt, we are not out to frustrate members of the public or ' indeed the business community, our major integest is to facilitate legitimate trade. All those who are compliant, have nothing to fear. We remain determined to detect, arrest and prosecute those who do not comply with the extant laws regarding importation and exportation through the land borders"
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