Customs Vows Tougher Enforcement as Eastern Marine Command Records N172.4m Seizures
By Naija Enquirer Staff
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 three months.
The Customs Area Controller for the Eastern Marine Command, Comptroller Anderson Jaja, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Calabar, Cross River State, highlighting the Command’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s eastern maritime domain and curbing smuggling activities.
Proactive Enforcement and Seizure Breakdown
Comptroller Jaja explained that proactive, intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Command accounted for the significant seizures recorded over the past three 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 stated.
The breakdown of seizures includes:
- 62 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N16,782,470
- 190 used tyres worth N15,429,045
- Assorted soaps, detergents, creams, wines, juices, beverages, and bicycles totaling N68,977,618
- Bags of used shoes, scrap metals, wire mesh, chemicals, and other goods worth N14,016,717
- Batteries, drums, water tanks, chemicals, and scrap metals valued at N45,893,390
- 14 sacks of used shoes valued at N132,636
- Two flying boats worth N8,502,390
- One 20-foot container with a duty paid value of N1,894,693
Stern Warning to Smugglers
The Area Controller issued a stern warning to smugglers, emphasizing that acts of economic sabotage within the maritime sector will not be tolerated. He noted that enforcement efforts remain robust, while the Service is also committed to strengthening stakeholder engagement and facilitating legitimate trade.
Comptroller Jaja encouraged compliant traders and business operators to take advantage of trade facilitation initiatives introduced by 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.
Operational Support and Recognition
Comptroller Jaja expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General for strategic leadership and operational support, particularly the provision of additional patrol boats, which have significantly boosted the Command’s operational capacity.
He also 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 Nigeria’s economic interests and maritime security.
