The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, an anti-smuggling arm of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos has assured potential smugglers within the zone, of the Command’s preparedness to tackle their Yuletide season’s adventurism.
The Command Controller, Uba Garba Mohammed who gave the assurance while hosting Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led on courtesy call by its President, Godfrey Bivbere, also assured informers assisting the Command’s intelligence arm, of red carpet welcome.
Comptroller Mohammed said the Command has done what should be done: undertake a comprehensive review of smugglers’ activities in the corresponding period of last year, scientifically analyse it; and thereafter, tactically mobilise officers and men to battle those who want to deny Government of its revenue.
“We have redoubled our efforts. We are watching all the nooks and crannies, as well as imaginatively exploring new tracks!”, Comptroller Mohammed stated, warning illicit items traders to save themselves of avoidable pains, by going into legitimate trades.
He said he was fully aware of the usual increased trading activities, including illegal ones at Christmas period, hence the proactive approach of the Command, by ensuring that no stone is actually left, unturned.
Classifying informers as largely consisting of those who oblige base on patriotism as well as those who give information as a means of revenge, for being shortchanged, the FOU command Boss assured them all, of his open door policy at all times.
“We pay for information to avoid the unforseen from happening; and this has always yielded results. Informants have been very helpful to us”, he indicated further, stressing that reliance on intelligence has become a critical factor, in view of Government’s emphasis on Ease of doing business.
He maintained that Government is very serious on revenue generation, as well as an un-spared protection of the local industry, hence its directive on rice.
“Government is very serious on revenue generation. Government is genuinely serious on rice. We are mandated to effect Government’s directive”, he stated, explaining that while the Command may not intercept containers on the highways, a relevant section of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) actually empowers his officers to trace a cargo into warehouses, on ground of strong suspicion that the importers desire to evade payments of duty to Government.
Comptroller Mohammed pleaded with the business class to always pay Customs duty, stressing that Government is not interested in impounding anyone’s goods.
–Esther Komolafe
