Apapa Customs Command Intercepts Seven Illegally Imported Containers

Apapa Customs Command Intercepts Seven Illegally Imported Containers

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted seven containers attempting to bring prohibited items into the country, highlighting their ongoing anti-smuggling efforts.

Addressing the press on Friday, July 19, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, BO Olomu, announced the seizures made on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The intercepted containers included:

- 2x40ft containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlasses and machetes

- 2x40ft containers carrying 4,129 packages of frozen hen

- 1x40ft container carrying 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing

- 1x40ft container of expired pharmaceuticals

The duty paid value (DPV) of these seized items amounted to ₦292,244,857.00. These imports contravene Schedule 3 of the revised import prohibition list of the Common External Tariff (CET) and violate Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Olomu attributed the successful interceptions to a combination of intelligence gathering and rigorous enforcement, ensuring that no consignment exits Apapa Port or any terminal under the command without proper examination. He emphasized that the command remains committed to facilitating trade and maximizing revenue collection without compromising on the enforcement of laws related to false declarations, concealment, under-declaration, and under-valuation.

He also highlighted the command’s collaboration with sister regulatory agencies such as NAFDAC for food and drug regulations and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for products requiring end-user certificates. The Customs Area Controller reiterated the zero-tolerance policy on smuggling and assured that only consignments meeting compliance standards would be allowed through the port, whether for import or export.

Olomu expressed gratitude for the support and cooperation of other government agencies and promised that the seized items would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and regulatory action.

Abubakar Usman, Public Relations Officer for the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, conveyed this information to the press.