The Customs Area Controller in charge of Cross River, Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Command, Comptroller Hassan Mohammed has said that the command impounded three trucks loaded with used batteries, compressors and second hand clothes worth N500, 000.
Mohammed told newsmen last week in Calabar that the seizures were in line with government policy and the directives from the Controller General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of Cross River, Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Command, Comptroller Hassan Mohammed has said that the command impounded three trucks loaded with used batteries, compressors and second hand clothes worth N500, 000.
Mohammed told newsmen last week in Calabar that the seizures were in line with government policy and the directives from the Controller General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko.
He said that four persons were arrested in connection with the large consignments of used batteries and electronic wastes (e-waste materials) imported from Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
The comptroller said that the suspects would be charged to court in accordance with the relevant laws.
Mohammed said that vehicles intercepted by the Customs authorities included 911 lorries loaded with used batteries and marked (registration number) XA199 BRA, AA 274 UMZ, XN 135 KED and AA 478 KAN, lorry load of second hand clothing.
According to him, all imported goods, which come into the country without the required permit and approval from regulatory agencies, will be impounded.
Mohammed said that the seizure would be investigated and transferred to National Environmental Standard, Regulatory and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) for necessary action.
'The surprising thing about these seizures is that while we are fighting the dumping of these things from Europe, these things are coming from our neighbouring countries like Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.'
'NESREA is the body that is charged with controlling these substances. It acts as the enforcement arm of the Federal Ministry of Environment.
According to him, this is an aspect of the inter- agency cooperation which the customs service gives to other regulatory units of the Federal Government, including NESREA.
Mohammed said: 'the role the customs play is that whenever anybody wants to import anything, he has to abide by their regulatory requirement and such things are not cleared by customs until such permits are sent to the command.
'What you see here today are importations that have not had any back up from the body that is supposed to give them permit.
He said the efforts were part of the Area Command's bid to collect maximum revenue to meet up its monthly target of N1.5 billion.
The Comptroller said the Command has engaged in series of meetings in the last two months, since he assumed office, to share ideas of good working relations with relevant stakeholders to improve efficiency.
According to the Customs boss, the monthly revenue collection of the Command has recorded over 18 per cent increase in the last two months.
Mohammed appealed to the Federal Government to do something urgently to the Calabar Channel as it deserves immediate attention.
The Comptroller said that the Command was doing everything possible to enhance revenue collection by blocking all possible leakages.
He advised those involved in illegal importation and trade to desist from coming through the command as the officers and men would not compromise any illegal activities, including importation and exportation.
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