The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, announced the suspension of the $3.2 billion modernisation project also known as e-Customs over lingering litigations.
LEADERSHIP reports that the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the implementation of the Customs modernization project to a concessionaire.
The concessionaire is Bergman Securities Consultant and suppliers limited as the project sponsor, Africa Finance Corporation UFC as lead financier while Huawei Technologies will be trained as lead technical service provider.
However, stakeholders have knocked the project, saying it’s to mortgage the future of the service and also inimical to national security.
But, speaking to newsmen at a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, to announce the interception of 299 cartons of codeine syrup worth N100 million and interception of 7 trucks laden with foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic, the acting Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said due to the lingering court cases, the $3.2 billion e-Customs project has been put on hold.
He, however, announced a partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to develop and deploy Geospatial Intelligence at the nation’s borders.
According to him, he has not been talking much about the project since he took over the reins of leadership of the Service because it would be subjudice.
“Currently, we are at a stage where the matter is in court and that’s why I have not been talking so much about the $3.2bn Customs Modernisation project. However, beyond the Modernisation project, there are a number of things that we can do on our own. We have been getting very firm assurance from the WCO and other partners to assist us.
What we are developing through Geospatial Intelligence is with the assistance of the WCO.”
“We are also building the capacity of our officers locally and domestically, exposing them to the kind of training that will allow them to learn best practices on how we can integrate elements of technology into our operations,” he stated.
However, the acting Comptroller General of Customs has stated that the service is dedicated to combating smuggling of illicit, regulated drugs and contrabands from neighboring West African countries.
The CG also stated that 5400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), on the verge of being smuggled out of the country to Benin Republic was also intercepted by the unit
He said, “as part of our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our society and protecting the well-being of our citizens, the NCS has once again demonstrated its dedication to eradicating the menace of drug trafficking. Last week officers of the Federal Operating Unit Zone A, acting on credible intelligence, flagged down a DAF truck close to Ijebu-Ode Junction. An examination of the truck revealed the concealment of 299 cartons of codeine syrup along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.
“NCS is yet again drawing national attention to the danger posed by unrestricted access to the use of dangerous drugs. Codeine syrup is designated as a controlled item due to its rampant abuse by our delinquent youth. The misuse and illicit distribution of codeine-containing medications have given rise to grave security and public health concerns, contributing to a surge in addiction, adverse health effects, and societal challenges.”
“In response, regulatory measures have been implemented to curb its availability and unrestricted access. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.”
“On our part we will continue to partner with the NDLEA and other relevant government agencies to curb the spread of the menace and protect the future generations of Nigerians.”
Speaking on intercepted rice and PMS, Adeniyi said, “smugglers of rice and premium motor spirit continue to test our will to put them out of business. Smuggling of rice compromises our revenue and sabotages our food security. Despite the biting effects of fuel subsidy removal on our economy, smugglers still attempt to smuggle PMS across the border.
“They met their waterloo in different operations conducted by NCS officers of NCS. The following seizures of both items were recorded, a total of 4, 252 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice at Dangote/Imashayi Ogun State, Saki Axis Oyo State, Owode/Ado Odo in Ogun state, Idiroko/Ohumbe Ogun State, Okoko Mile 2 Axis, Lagos State and Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
“Similarly, 5,600 litres of premium motor spirit were intercepted and seized when smugglers attempted to take out these strategic resources through the Oja-odan axis in Ogun State. Other items seized in the last 2 weeks include, 291 Bales of Second-hand Clothing; 57 Sacks and 4 Jumbo Sacks of Used Shoes; 486 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products; 190 Pieces of Rugs; 5 Units of Vehicles and 170 pieces of used tyres
“These seizures are a fallout of our uncompromising position to strictly enforce the law and protect the lives of our people. The codeine syrup, which is reportedly being abused by mostly young persons in society, is associated with addiction and, in the long-term, results in anxiety, depression, memory loss, and damage to the liver, kidneys and brain. It is pertinent to note that the damaging effects of drugs have led to preventable deaths for consumers taking them outside doctors’ prescriptions.”
