Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared a state of emergency in Onne Port, Rivers State, following the activities of importers of banned products through the port.
The comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, made the declaration in Port Harcourt yesterday while addressing journalists at Onne Port, following the interception of twelve 40-feet containers with illicit goods.
Adeniyi expressed concerns about the use of Onne Port in the importation of contraband and harmful goods despite several warnings to individuals indulging in the prohibited cargoes.
The customs’ boss regretted that some individuals were not giving up in importing goods that are a threat to national security.
He said: “As we are aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for experts.
“Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to trade facilitation and economy development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this Port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port.
“Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.
“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of Area 2 Command.
“On display are 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and meticulous physical examination.”
Adeniyi explained that 11 of the seized containers contained cartons of illicit drugs while a 40-feet container contained 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage, rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber foot wears with a duty paid value of N923,040,000.
He disclosed that these interceptions bring the total duty paid value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N31,200,688,142.
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