The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Victor Dimka has closed all illegal routes leading to the popular Owode border; which is an approved border outstation under Seme Area Command.
According to the spokesperson of Seme command, Taupyen, SK, the border is now a full-fledged outstation that can handle clearance of goods through the Passengers Baggage Examination System (PEBES).
In a statement sent to Shipping Position Daily yesterday, the PRO added that the Controller has resuscitated the Automated System of Customs Data (ASYCUDA) that had been inactive.
“Financial institutions like the Skye Bank of Nig. Plc have sited their mini-branch for collection of duty on any import assessment through the outstation”.
He added that on the strength of the renovation, “Compt. Dimka informed all businessmen that use Owode route and the business community to take advantage of this official gesture and desist from perpetrating trans-border crimes like smuggling and other ills associated with a border town. He re-iterated that he is in Seme to discourage illegal transactions, encourage illegitimate trade and generate maximum revenue to the Federal government.
According to him, the Area Controller disclosed that for the command to work strictly in compliance with stipulated guidelines and procedures, approved outstations along the international border have to be resuscitated and fitted with facilities in line with the global best practices.
It could be recalled that the resolute stand of the Customs Area Controller to the strict implementation of the service’s extant laws has led the Owode business community to visit the Comptroller requesting for duty payment to all their legitimate transactions.
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