From Uche Usim, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized over 100 assorted exotic vehicles from individuals and corporations who evaded duties or paid inappropriate charges on them. The brand of vehicles include; Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus and other Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and sedans.
To this end, the Service has called on relevant stakeholders to synergise with its officers and men to effectively suppress smuggling of vehicles into Nigeria. It said the development has become a worrisome type of economic sabotage, which should not be allowed to flourish.
The Deputy Comptroller, Customs, and Coordinator, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at the headquarters, Jack Okpabi, made the appeal while briefing journalists on his team’s quarterly achievements at the Karu Government Warehouse in Abuja. He said out of the over 100 vehicles seized, 38 were forfeited to the Federal Government, adding that the onslaught against smugglers would lead to the realisation of over N400 million through demand notices.
Okpabi also stated that the tasks of suppressing smuggling, facilitating trade and generating revenue for the government required a great deal of stakeholders’ support to succeed. He described the media briefing as a great opportunity to enlighten the public about the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service, adding that the event was for the second quarter.
He said: “I want to thank some stakeholders for sustaining the alliance with NCS in the area of subduing smuggling in Nigeria. It is a challenging task to square up against smugglers, but with stakeholders’ support, we shall succeed.
“However, some bad elements are bent on smuggling vehicles into the country. I also wonder why people insist on buying such vehicles because it’s risky. It will be seized when intercepted. The recent operation, which led to the interception of over a 100 Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser and other models of exotic vehicles, has saved the country from losing huge revenue that would have gone down the drain.
“On this note, I want to emphasise that the Service will not hesitate to bring to book any offender caught smuggling vehicles into Nigeria, and they will be charged with smuggling offences, even if they’re Customs officers. This matter is decisive to us and will not be taken lightly,” Okpabi said.
The RRS Coordinator emphasised that the law does not allow or grant waivers to any private, government-owned institution, including the Nigeria Customs Service or individuals, to import vehicles without the payment of Customs duties.