Customs Faults ECOWAS protocol Implementation on Goods Transit from Member Nations

Tayo Oladipupo

The Nigeria Customs Service on Monday lamented that improper implementation of ECOWAS protocol on goods transit by neighbouring countries poses serious hiccups in its operations, even as it bemoaned the use of motorcycles and animals in smuggling in difficult terrains.

According to the National Public Relations Officer of customs, the Deputy Comptroller, Joseph Attah while highlighting some challenges affecting the service operations during a breakfast meeting with journalists in Lagos, reiterated that non-cooperation of some indigenes in the terrain has negative impacts on the national security.

Attah noted that despite the challenges, the service was able to record 4,010 seizures with duty paid value of over N40 billion between January and November, 2018.

While giving a breakdown of the outstanding seizures recorded, Attah disclosed that arms, ammunitions, dangerous drugs, vehicles and rice top the list of intercepted contrabands.

He said, “Suppression of smuggling remains the most challenging aspect of customs functions as anti-smuggling operations are seen differently by different people.

“Regrettably, many people still see smuggling as a business not crime. In fact, smuggling is not just a crime but the mother of many crimes and criminalities.

“Violent crimes are perpetrated with dangerous items such as arms and drugs smuggled into the country. Apart from its negative impacts in national economy, smuggling has devastating effects on security and well-being of any nation.

“As we strive to fight smuggling, we are often confronted with the following challenges, which include porous borders and willingness of some Nigerians to help the smugglers mob customs operatives.

He noted that the service also intercepted 238,094 bags of rice across the country in the period under review.

On the disposal of seized goods, the customs spokesman added that the service has continued to auction such items via its online platform that is devoid of any influence.

He affirmed that “So far 806 vehicles were uploaded and 753 winners emerged with a total of #346,146,349 have been granted through the electronic platform.

The image maker said the portal opens by 12 noon Monday to 12 noon Wednesday of the week.