In a decisive show of resolve to defend Nigeria’s economic frontiers, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ (FOU ‘A’), Ikeja-Lagos, has intercepted 220 consignments of prohibited and smuggled goods valued at N3,237,132,640.00 in Duty Paid Value, while clawing back N728,976,725.03. The operation, anchored on sharpened risk profiling, rigorous compliance checks, and targeted strikes against suspicious declarations, underscores the Unit’s unrelenting commitment to protecting local industries, securing government revenue, and keeping Nigeria’s trade corridors free of contraband.
The seizures recorded during the period includes bags of foreign parboiled rice,foreign-used vehicles; parcels of synthetic cannabis (Sativa),parcels of Ghanaian Loud and crystal methamphetamine,Tramadol,
Hypnox, elephant tusks,jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),cartons of foreign vegetable oil among other prohibited and smuggled items intercepted through intelligence-led operations.
The Comptroller of FOU ‘A’, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, described the revenue recovery as encouraging and reaffirmed the Unit’s determination to identify and recover revenue lost through under-declaration, false declarations, and other forms of customs fraud. He urged importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents to ensure accurate declarations and full compliance with extant customs laws and regulations, stressing that the Unit would continue to facilitate legitimate trade while taking decisive action against individuals and businesses engaged in smuggling and revenue evasion.
Furthermore, The Unit asserted that the interception of foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, poultry products, foreign-used vehicles, used clothing, and other prohibited goods would contribute to protecting domestic industries, supporting national food security, and safeguarding legitimate government revenue. Similarly, the interception of illicit drugs, unregulated pharmaceutical products, and other controlled substances contributes to protecting public health and preventing the circulation of substances capable of undermining the wellbeing of citizens, particularly young Nigerians.
In the same vein, the Comptroller emphasised that the Unit’s enforcement activities are being undertaken within a balanced framework that combines robust border enforcement with trade facilitation. He attributed the successes recorded during the period to enhanced intelligence gathering, risk profiling, inter-agency collaboration, intelligence fusion, and the cooperation of stakeholders and members of the public. He assured compliant traders of the Service’s continued commitment to creating a fair, predictable, and transparent trading environment, while warning that the Unit would sustain its zero-tolerance approach to smuggling, revenue fraud, and other forms of economic sabotage.
To this end, the NCS, through FOU ‘A’, reiterates its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic objectives by protecting domestic production, promoting compliance, facilitating legitimate trade, and preventing the entry and circulation of prohibited and harmful goods.
