By Hussaina Yakubu
Kaduna – The Zone B of Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit Kaduna, on Monday, said it had generated over N1billon since it began collecting duty for vehicles within the zone.
The Comptroller of the command, Mustafa Sarkin-Kebbi made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Kaduna on seizures made in the last four months.
He explained that FOU zone B have been designated as duty collection centre in the zone for vehicle brought into the country.
“We undertook an excercise that was approved by the CGC since October where car sale mats were sealed within the zone.
“We took the inventory and asked the people to come forward and pay duty for their vehicles without duty,” he said.
According to him, the exercise is to mop up vehicles without duty.
Sarkin-Kebbi said since the exercise began on Oct. 29, 2019, more people have been coming forward to pay duty on their vehicles.
“The exercise is achieving its objective. So far from October 29, we have collected customs duty of over N1 billion.
“More people are coming to pay, and by first quarter of 2020, if the trend continues we will be generating over N2 billion,” the comptroller said.
“Apart from asking people to regularize their vehicles documents, we are also getting alot of revenue. Prominent members of the public living in the zone are coming over with vehicles to pay customs duties,” he added.
On other seizures made in the last four months, Sarkin-Kebbi said goods worth N430 million were apprehended within the period.
He said 90 smuggled vehicles, and seven motorcycles used in smuggling rice, were seized within the period.
“Others include 5,143 bags of 50kg foreign per boiled rice, 65 bags of smuggled sugar, 1,426 cartons of smuggled spaghetti, 21 cartons of tomatoe paste, 759 jericans of vegetable oil and 480 bales of second hand clothing.”
According to him, 191 kegs of PMS were also seized and auctioned to the public.
Sarkin-Kebbi disclosed that recently, a truck was also confiscated with 650 bags of 50kg foreign rice concealed in local sacks to beat the customs.
“Just yesterday another 80 bales of second hand clothing were also seized in Katsina, and 10 days ago, we also arrested two Dangote trucks each conveying 220 bags of rice, all the vehicles are under detention in Katsina.”
According to him, 70 per cent of the seizures were items already smuggled into the country before the commencement of the operation.
Sarkin-Kebbi said six suspected smugglers arrested within the period will be prosecuted.
The comptroller attributed the seizures to genuine intelligence reports and support from patriotic Nigerians, and emphasised that the service would not relent in curtailing smuggling into the country.
(NAN)
