Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Eastern Marine Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying enforcement operations following the seizure of contraband items with a duty paid value of N172.497 million in the last 3 months.
The Customs Area Controller, Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Anderson Jaja, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Calabar, Cross River State.
During the briefing, Comptroller Jaja stated that the Command remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s eastern maritime domain and curbing smuggling activities within its area of responsibility. He explained that proactive, intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Command accounted for the significant seizures recorded over the past 3 months.
“Our operations have been intensified across the Eastern maritime corridor. The seizures displayed today underscore our unwavering resolve to suppress smuggling while ensuring that legitimate trade is not hindered,” he said.
A breakdown of the seizures includes 62 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N16,782,470 and 190 pieces of used tyres worth N15,429,045. Other intercepted items comprise assorted soaps, detergents, creams, wines, juices, beverages, and bicycles with a combined value of N68,977,618.
Additionally, the Command seized bags of used shoes, scrap metals, wire mesh, chemicals, and other goods valued at N14,016,717. Batteries, drums, water tanks, chemicals, and scrap metals worth N45,893,390 were also confiscated. Further seizures include 14 sacks of used shoes valued at N132,636, two flying boats valued at N8,502,390, and one 20-foot container with a DPV of N1,894,693.
The Area Controller further issued a stern warning to smugglers to desist from illegal activities, emphasizing that the Command will not tolerate acts of economic sabotage within the maritime sector. He noted that while enforcement efforts remain robust, the Service is equally committed to strengthening stakeholder engagement and facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged compliant traders and business operators to leverage trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme and the One-Stop-Shop platform, both designed to enhance compliance and expedite cargo clearance.
Comptroller Jaja expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for his strategic leadership and operational support, particularly the recent provision of additional patrol boats, which have significantly boosted the Command’s capacity.
He further commended the officers and men of the Eastern Marine Command for their dedication and professionalism, assuring stakeholders of the Command’s continued vigilance in protecting the nation’s economic interests and maritime security.
