“Release seized cargo-laden trucks to owners”… Customs chief

Abiodun oba |

All Commands in the Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Coordinator, on Monday have been directed to release cargo-laden trucks seized from transporters.

Dahiru, an Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service Zone ‘A’ Coordinator, said that the seizure of the goods-laden trucks was a violation of the importation and trade policy of the Federal Government.

The seizure he said amounts to making the transporters to suffer for the offense committed by importers.

According to him, the commands which seized the trucks might have done so out of ignorance as they might not have read current circulars on importation.

“It is possible that those commands that seized the cargo-laden trucks committed trade infractions and they do not know Section 69 of the Customs and Exercise Management Act (CEMA).

“The policy says that in the case the irregularities incurred by the importer of the goods do not have anything to do with the transporter such trucks should be allowed to go.

“The trucks are only means of conveyance and not the culprit and, therefore, should not be detained,’’ Dahiru said.

Several commands including the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, and the Idiroko Command in Ogun, have recently seized cargo-laden trucks with their owners being turned back daily in their quest secure their release.