From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has raised health alarm following the interception and detention of 20 x 20ft containers of expired tomato concentrate at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) in Lagos.
Displaying the seizures over the weekend, the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniji, described it as “staggering and unprecedented,” and “a historic milestone in the history of the command.”
Noting that such seizure aligned perfectly with his set goals for the NCS, Adeniyi disclosed that vigilant customs officers at PTML uncovered the cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption, during a routine examination on August 8th, 2023.
Concerned at the smugglers’ audacity in attempting to introduce such hazardous product into the Nigerian market, Adeniyi said the 20 containers of the expired tomato concentrate were falsely declared as almond shells, under the auspices of Nikecristy Investment Limited.
According to him, “the audacious attempt to introduce such large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable.
“In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering N116,211,725.73.
“As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation.
“This seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declaration (SGDs) forms, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerians by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
“The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.”
Going forward, he warned importers and their agents to steer clear of unlawful practices, including false declarations aimed at evading duties and smuggling prohibited goods into our country.
Meanwhile, he reassured compliant automobile importers and their agents of streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours of payment of customs duties.
“Remember that compliance brings numerous benefits, including building a reputation for integrity, saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties, and staying out of legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of license and blacklisting,” he added.
