The Controller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), retired Col. Hamid Ali, has warned border communities in the country to desist from smuggling or face full wrath of the law.
Ali gave the warning on Friday in Katsina, when he paid a courtesy call on Gov. Aminu Masari of Katsina State.
He said most of the border communities indulged in smuggling and ‘’they don’t see it as an illegal business’’.
Ali noted that such communities had been smuggling prohibited items like drugs that were used by criminals to commit crimes.
Ali urged the state government to assist customs in enlightening the public on the dangers associated with the ugly practice.
‘’I strongly warn smugglers to either desist from the illegal business or be arrested and prosecuted,’’ he said.
In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Masari, urged customs to use modern technology to patrol border areas as part of measures to curtail smuggling.
He said that the customs should also strengthen intelligence gathering and enlightenment campaign so as to curb the menace.
The governor advised customs to regularised businesses along border areas or else smuggling will continue.
He assured that his administration would continue to cooperate with the customs and other security agencies in addressing security problems in the state.
Meanwhile, the business community in Kano State has urged the Nigerian Custom Service to review levies imposed on rice importation into Nigeria, so as to stop the soaring price of the staple food item.
The call was made by National Harmonized Traders’ Union (NAHATU) and former chairman of Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association; Alhaji Bature Abdul’aziz, during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Comptroller General of Custom’s team led by its CG; Hameed Ali held at the Kano State Customs Command’s headquarters.
He added that the imposed levy has made the price of imported rice to rise to an alarming figure, stressing that there is a need for reviewing the imposed levy in order to make imported rice affordable to the masses in the country.
Responding to the call, the CGC, Hamid Ali, stated that policies are made for the betterment of the people, adding that the levy imposed on rice is to discourage importation and encourage local rice farmers to produce more rice for local consumption and possible exportation.
He called on the business community to abide by the Nigerian laws and cooperate with the Customs to curb smuggling and other illegal business acts.
During the meeting various issues were raised and answers were given by the CGC led team to Kano.
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