By: Joy Enamuna

The Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘B’ Kaduna Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Comptroller Dalha Wada Chedi, has generated a whopping sum of Two Billion Naira.

Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna, CAC Wada announced that “the Total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures made within January to February is One Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Five Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira and Ninety-Six Kobo (#1,975,657,865.96) only.”

He emphasized the importance of combating smuggling to support the president’s agenda and urged the public to assist the federal government in this effort to boost revenue generation.

Detailing the anti-smuggling activities, he mentioned that from January 1st to February 16, 2024, the command seized various items including foreign shoes, parboiled rice, second-hand clothing, expired milk, and juice powder.

For instance, on January 24, 2024, operatives intercepted a truck carrying 179 bags of Tiger Nuts (50kg each) in Jigawa State. On February 3, 2024, three trucks were arrested in Jigawa State, containing prohibited items such as foreign soap, second-hand clothing, macaroni, textiles, and used shoes.

Regarding the arrests made, two suspects were detained pending ongoing investigations.

On February 11, 2024, another truck was intercepted in Zamfara State, carrying expired foreign jolly juice powder and milk powder, unfit for human consumption.

Other seized items include foreign parboiled rice, spaghetti, premium motor spirits, medication, flame lighters, dates, cigarettes, used tires, and vehicles.

These seizures were made in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act No. 35, 2023, due to contraventions and breaches of extant Presidential directives on border closure.

CAC Wada expressed empathy for the citizens affected by the difficult economic situation and reiterated the commitment of the NCS to suppress smuggling activities.

He thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management for their leadership and support in achieving their mandate.