The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the interception of 20×20 feet of expired tomato concentrates in Lagos.
The expired products were concealed within 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited.
One Okonkwo Oliver Izunna was arrested in connection with the seizure, but is currently on administrative bail and remains under investigation.
The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who made the disclosure in a press briefing at the Command on Friday, described it as a momentous achievement in the Service’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and discouraging unlawful practices, specifically false declarations.
He explained that the actions taken by those involved in the unlawful activity contravene the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023; and directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.
The Ag. CGC emphasised that operations of this nature aligns perfectly with the goals set for the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership.
According to him the primary objectives are to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of the nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses.
He said: “Today, we stand before you to announce a remarkable seizure at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), a seizure that marks a historic milestone in the history of the command. We have successfully intercepted and detained a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of this command.
“On the 8th of August, 2023, during a routine examination, our vigilant officers at PTML uncovered a cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption. The audacity of the smugglers to attempt introducing this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening.
“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 sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73)”.
The container numbers involved in the operation are: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351.
Adeniyi disclosed that the containers remain in Customs’ custody, officially recorded as seizures,
The Customs boss noted that the seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declarations (SGDs) forms, is a testament to Customs’ unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and its determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerians by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
“I would like to take this opportunity to send a stern warning to importers and their agents, urging them to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into our country.
“The audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable. I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide”.
He reiterated that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties.
Adeniyi implored all importers and their agents to act patriotically by making honest declarations.
“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 licenses, and blacklisting”, he added