The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 56 containers of contraband worth over N5.5 billion, as part of a broader crackdown on alleged abuse of free-trade-zone concessions. The seized goods include used clothing, tomato paste, and vegetable oil, imported through the Onne Port. Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the seizures were made through renewed intelligence-driven and risk assessment-based enforcement operations.
Adeniyi explained that the Customs Service will no longer approve the transfer of containers to the Tinapa Free Trade Zone pending a comprehensive audit. He described the suspension as a measure to prevent importers from abusing waivers and concessions granted by the federal government. The audit aims to verify that containers transferred to the zone were used for approved manufacturing activities and not pushed into the local market.
The seized consignments include 45 containers containing 1,050 jerrycans of 25-litre vegetable oil each, valued at N4.252 billion. Nine containers of used clothing were valued at over N1 billion, while two containers of tomato paste were valued at N232 million. The combined duty-paid value of the seized consignments is about N5.53 billion. Adeniyi stated that the goods were seized for allegedly violating Sections 55 and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Adeniyi warned that all parties involved in the alleged illegal importation, including importers, Customs agents, shipping companies, and other connected parties, would face prosecution. Court processes would be initiated for the condemnation and final forfeiture of the seized goods. The seizures aim to protect Nigeria's economic interests, public health, and domestic production while ensuring compliance with the country's import laws and regulations.
In a related development, Adeniyi inaugurated a model health centre in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. The facility was rebuilt and equipped with modern medical facilities by the Customs Area 2 Command, Onne. The project was part of the Nigeria Customs Service's corporate social responsibility programme. Adeniyi commended Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, Controller, Area 2 Command, for facilitating the intervention.
Many stakeholders regarded the seizure as a big hit on illicit importers. The interceptions were made through renewed intelligence-driven and risk assessment-based enforcement operations aimed at preventing prohibited, restricted, and improperly declared consignments from entering Nigeria through the country's seaports. The Nigeria Customs Service's efforts aim to ensure compliance with the country's import laws and regulations.
The Nigeria Customs Service's actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the country's economic interests and public health. The seizures and suspension of Tinapa FTZ transfers are part of a broader effort to prevent abuse of free-trade-zone concessions and ensure compliance with import laws and regulations. The Service's corporate social responsibility programme, including the model health centre, also highlights its efforts to contribute to the well-being of the community.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service seized contraband worth over N5.5 billion and suspended Tinapa FTZ transfers due to alleged abuse of concessions.
- The seizures aim to protect Nigeria's economic interests, public health, and domestic production while ensuring compliance with import laws and regulations.
- The Nigeria Customs Service will conduct a comprehensive audit of containers transferred to the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and prosecute parties involved in alleged illegal importation.
