Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, has called for an immediate and robust partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to combat the increasing illegal smuggling of natural resources in the country.
According to NMGS, the increasing smuggling of natural resources, particularly solid minerals, has resulted in significant revenue losses and the depletion of key raw materials critical to the nation’s economy.
NMGS President, Professor Akinade Olatunji, during a visit to NCS headquarters in Abuja, underscored the need for enhanced collaboration to improve the capacity of Customs officers in identifying and preventing the illegal export of natural resources.
Olatunji said, “We are aware of the large quantities of resources being illicitly exported from Nigeria. These are finite assets that must be safeguarded. A strong partnership with Customs at key exit points will help ensure proper documentation, revenue remittance, and that duties are paid accordingly.”
Responding to the NMGS’s call, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, expressed support for the initiative, highlighting the need for joint efforts to strengthen monitoring and close gaps in enforcement.
Adeniyi pledged to prioritize training for Customs officers to better track the illegal flow of resources out of the country and ensure appropriate revenue generation.
“Through improved oversight, accurate documentation, and diligent monitoring, we can prevent the smuggling of these valuable resources, safeguard our national assets, and generate the revenue the country deserves,” Adeniyi affirmed.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to collaboration, emphasizing the urgent need to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and foster sustainable economic growth.
