In a bid to strengthen operations and reposition the Service to meet the challenges of the new year 2017, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) has approved the redeployment of 8 Assistant Comptrollers-General and 238 Deputy Comptrollers with immediate effect. 

Assistant Comptrollers-General affected are: 
– ACG Charles Edike from Zone A to Human Resource Development (HRD) 
– ACG Ahmed Mohammed from HRD to Zone B 
– ACG Aminu Dangaladima from Zone B to Enforcement 
– ACG Francis Dosumu from Enforcement to Zone D 
– ACG Augustine Chidi from Zone D to Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives(Ex,FTZ, & I I) 
– ACG Monday Abueh from Ex,FTZ, & I I to Zone A 
– ACG Umar Sanusi from HQ to Zone C 
– ACG Abdulkadir Azerema from Zone C to HQ 

The redeployment of Deputy Comptrollers of Customs affected the Service Public Relations Officer, DC Wale Adeniyi, who is now posted to Apapa Customs Area Command, Lagos. 

As all the affected officers report at their new Zones and Commands, the Comptroller-General reiterated Federal Government ban on importation of Rice and Vehicles through the land borders. He charged all Officers and Men of the Service to ensure maximum collection of revenue and strict implementation of fiscal policy of Government. 

The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that the 102 bags of rice seized by Customs operatives earlier this month is unsatisfactory for human consumption due to contaminations by microorganisms even as they have clarified that they are not plasticized. 

The NAFDAC Acting Director-General, Mrs Yetude Oni made this confirmation at a joint press briefing with the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja yesterday after carrying out laboratory tests on samples of rice seized by Customs officials in Lagos. 

According to her, “The product is not plastic but rice contaminated with microorganisms above permissible limit, hence the seized rice consignment is unsatisfactory and therefore unwholesome for human consumption.”

The Acting DG further provided the full report of the laboratory test carried out: 
1. Floating – Negative 
2. Sedimentation – Positive 
3. Cooking – Normal 
4. Odour – Normal 
5. Colour – Off-white grains 
6. Moisture – 13% (within specification) 
7. Pre-ashing – Normal 
8. Ash – 0.6% (within specification) 
9. Lead and Cadmium – Not detected 
10. Aerobic mesophillic count – 2.8×105 cfu (above maximum limits) 
11. Mould – 5.1×103 cfu – (within specification) 
12. Coli form – 7.5×103 cfu (above maximum limits) 
13. E-coli – <3cfu (within specification) 
14. Packaging – Does not conform to NAFDAC pre-packaging Food labeling regulations 2005 

In his own remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Umar Iya Abubakar explained that the seizure of 102 bags of rice was made based on an earlier intelligence reports received from the office of the National Security Adviser and glaring lapses in the packaging of the bags of rice. 

He said, “Our operatives in Lagos intercepted a consignment of Rice, Customs action was based on an earlier intelligence we received from Office of the National Security Adviser, alerting us and other frontline Agencies that large consignments of plasticized rice were said to be shipped from the Far East to Africa. As the largest market for imported Rice in Africa, Customs took the alert seriously and charged Officers to watch out for such imports that do not conform with regulatory requirements. “

“When the consignments of Rice in question were brought to Customs Warehouse, our apprehension became heightened when we observed glaring lapses in the packaging. The bags of Rice had no NAFDAC Number, batch number, manufacturing, or expiry dates. We could also not see any detail about the manufacturers on the bag. We were left with no option than escalating our findings to the Agency that is statutorily charged with the responsibility of confirming the true status of the import.” 

1. Importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land Borders have been banned by the Federal Government. The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles. 

2. The Ban is sequel to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria Sea Ports only. The order takes effect from 1st January 2017. 

3. The restriction on importation of vehicles follows that of Rice, whose imports have been banned through the land Borders since April 2016. 

4. Importers of vehicles through the land borders are requested to utilize the grace period up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring Ports. 

Signed 
Wale Adeniyi 
Public Relations Officer 
For: Comptroller-General of Customs 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port have generated ₦25.7 billion in the month of November, 2016. This was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller Comptroller BASHAR YUSUF during a session with some critical stakeholders in his office recently. 

The Controller stressed that the Command, will continue to explore all avenues for maximum revenue collection, in view of the exigencies of the moment, which has placed more responsibility on the Service. Addressing stakeholders at the premises of SDV/SCOA where he had gone to handover a 1 x 20ft container of  “READY TO EAT FOOD” preparations like: Egusi Soup, Jollof Rice, Ogbono, Yam Porridge etc, the Controller described the scenario as an aberration considering the fact that the Federal Government of Nigeria in her wisdom granted zero duty for the importation of machinery for the packaging of Agricultural products into the country, and wondered why an indigenous menu would be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought for to boast local Industries. 

Speaking further, he charged would be investors to look at the export potentials which abound in the country and take advantage of same for their Socio-Economic benefits. 

In a related development, while briefing a group of senior officers undergoing training programme in the Command, the Controller admonished them to see professionalism, integrity and transparency as their watchword, while also ensuring effective leadership and supervision in their areas of official duty. 

He stated categorically that the various trade facilitation tools as provided in the automation of Customs procedures will guide them in the discharge of their functions and charged them to see training and re-training as a veritable tool that will sharpen their reflexes towards achieving desired results. 

Finally he expressed appreciation with the Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) for effectively re-positioning the Service to the extent that despite the global recession, NCS is still working tirelessly to remain on top of their statutory mandate. He noted that it could not have been possible if not for the pragmatic leadership of the Col. and his Management. 

“In this era and dispensation, officers are expected to be above board with a deep sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of their functions”. He added that the change ideology of the Comptroller General must be given priority attention and warned that failure to key into the new order will be seriously sanctioned. 

UCHE EJESIEME 
Public Relations Officer, 
For: Customs Area Controller 
Nigeria Customs Service 
Tin Can Island Port 
Apapa – Lagos. 

Following the renewed vigor and enthusiasm of the Tincan Island Port in blocking all flashpoint for Revenue leakages, the Command recently intercepted twenty (20) Containers of Vegetable Oil wrongly declared as Disodium Phosphate. This declaration was made by the Customs Area Controller COMPTROLLER Bashar Yusuf, while on a routine visit to the Terminal. He stated that a certain clearing agent named PATWED INVESTMENTS COMPANY presented three (3) Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) with C-No. 102101, purporting to be having seven (7) containers of 7588pk of Disodium Phosphate, while another seven (7) containers and six (6) respectively had different pkgs of the same consignment – DISODIUM PHOSPHATE. 

Speaking further, the Controller stated that upon 100% examination with other relevant agencies, it was discovered that non of the containers had Disodium Phosphate other than 25kg kegs of Vegetable Oil. 

Answering questions on the implications of such infraction, the Controller maintained that his Command will stop at nothing in it’s resolve to ensure that 100% examination is conducted on all cargoes so as to nip all manner of infraction in the bud in line with the change mantra of the Federal Government and the Comptroller General of Customs. 

Speaking further, the Controller pointed out that pain taking investigation will be conducted to identify those behind the illicit act for prosecution. On the legal implications, the Controller pointed that the importation contravenes the import regulations, particularly sections 46 & 47 of the Customs and Excise Management act, CAP C 45 Laws of the Federation as amended. 

The Controller commended the seizing officers for demonstrating due diligence and professionalism in the discharge of their official functions. 

He vowed to deal decisively with non-compliant importers or their agents, while assuring those who are compliant with the extant laws of his readiness to ensure facilitation of their legitimate trade. 

UCHE EJESIEME 
Public Relations Officer, 
For: Customs Area Controller 
Nigeria Customs Service 
Tin Can Island Port 
Apapa – Lagos. 

Twenty-nine (29) Senior officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed for various acts of gross misconduct. The dismissed officers are among forty-four (44) Senior officers who were punished for actions capable of compromising national economy and security. 

2. Ten (10) other officers were retired from Service, while the appointment of one (1) was terminated. Four (4) officers were given written warnings to be of better conduct while another 4 officers who were investigated and tried for some offences were exonerated. Four (4) of the officers who got the hammer were of the rank of Deputy-Comptroller of Customs, while five (5) were Assistant-Comptroller. Others were seven (7) Chief Superintendents of Customs and four (4) Superintendents, among others. 

3. Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hammed Ali (Rtd) had made it clear upon his assumption of duties that the Service will not compromise on Corruption and Indiscipline among the officers corps. In line with this, the structure and process for investigation of offences was strengthened to handle cases reported promptly and professionally. “We will give all officers fair hearing in line with the principle of natural justice. We will however insist that sanctions be punitive, not only to match the offence committed, but to serve as deterrent to others”, the CGC remarked at Management meeting convened to consider the report of the Disciplinary Committee that investigated the cases. 

4. The process leading to the actions taken on the officers was painstaking in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR). All the officers were served with Queries indicating offences committed, before they made appearances before the Special Investigation Committee. The Committee’s recommendation was discussed and approved by the Customs Management. The recommendation was thereafter referred to the Presidency for ratification, in the absence of a substantive Board for the Nigeria Customs Service. All the officers affected in the exercise have been communicated accordingly. 

5. The Comptroller-General warned officers that punitive sanctions will continue to be used to discipline officers who refuse to embrace change. 

6. Officers affected in this exercise were investigated for involvement in improper examination and release of containers without proper documentation and payment of duties, illegal release of goods in advance before the arrival of vessels, collection of bribe to release prohibited items, release of export prohibitions, fraudulent sale of seized items, use of fake certificates and bribery to secure auctioned goods. 

7. Last week, seventeen (17) Junior officers were similarly dismissed from service for offences like bribery, drug addiction, use of fake certificates and absence from duty. 

Signed 
Wale Adeniyi 
Deputy Comptroller/Public Relations Officer 
For: Comptroller-General of Customs 

Seventeen (17) Junior Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed from the Service for offences ranging from drug addiction, certificate forgery, theft and absence from duty from January to September 2016. 

2. The appointment of two other Officers have been terminated for absence from duty while one Officer was retired for drug addiction. 

3. Investigations into offence committed by the Officers in the senior category are now being concluded. Officers found guilty are expected to face similar stiff penalties. 

4. These disciplinary measures were taken after series of investigations and deliberations by the disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the Management. 

5. This process is a continuation of the reform agenda the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) promised upon his assumption of office which emphasized discipline, good conduct and transparency. 

Signed 
Wale Adeniyi 
Public Relations Officer 
For: Comptroller-General of Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri has recorded a total of two hundred and thirty-one (231) seizures of contraband goods with an overall Duty Paid Value (DPV) of one billion, nine hundred and fifty-seven million, five hundred and twenty nine thousand, three hundred and seventy-five naira (₦1,957,529,375.00) in the third quarter of the year 2016. 

This is in contrast to the three hundred and seventy-nine (379) seizures with a DPV of two billion, two hundred and twenty-four million, two hundred and forty-five thousand, seven hundred and ninety-seven Naira (₦2,224,245,797.00) impounded in the year 2015. 

The Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Haruna Mamudu, while briefing newsmen on the performance of officers and men of the unit in the third quarter of the year, said that the underpayment of five hundred and forty-eight million, seven hundred thousand, nine hundred and ninety-seven naira (₦548,700,997.00) recovered this year (2016) amounted to an increase in the percentage of revenue generated by the NCS in contrast to that of one hundred and five million, two hundred and seven thousand, eight hundred and seven naira (₦5,207,807.00) underpayment recovered in the year 2015. 

According to Comptroller Haruna, twenty-two (22) suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures which were impounded on the Benin axis, Asaba-Agbor-Onitsha express way, Calabar, Enugu, Owerri and Port-Harcourt axis of the South-south and South -East zones of the federation, while sixteen (16) cases are pending in court. He stressed that the feat was successfully accomplished as a result of the renewed determination of the Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) to rid the country of all forms of illegal importation. 

The Customs Area Controller enumerated the items impounded to include 121 vehicles; 3,082 bags of 50 kg rice; 1,454 cartons /set of furniture; 5,120 pieces of used foreign tyres; 625 cartons of fake medicaments and 2,600 pieces of imported school bags. 

Also seized were 63 containers of log of wood; 97 pieces of 14 -stroke engine generator; 30,181 cartons imported frozen poultry products; 1,148 bales of second hand clothing as well as 2, 331 cartons of foreign detergents and creams. 

The rest of the items were 1,339 pairs of foot wears; 142 pieces of used refrigerators and compressors, 155 cartons of plastic and articles of plastics; 129 cartons of ceramics and articles of ceramics in addition to 803 bags of scrap metals. 

Comptroller Haruna, who expressed concern at the continued indulgence of some Nigerians in the nefarious act of smuggling despite official stiff penalty for culprits arrested said that the NCS would remain resolute and undeterred in its efforts to stamp out the scourge in the country, stressing that the NCS is always well equipped, mobilized and motivated to dislodge smugglers, their collaborators and agents where ever they hibernate. 

The Controller, therefore warned all die hard smugglers who are still trapped in the illegal business to purge themselves of this before the long arm of the law catches up with them. 

He also renewed appeal to members of the public with useful information about smugglers to always make such information available to his men or to other sister security agencies for necessary action, assuring that the identity of such informers will never be disclosed. 

SIGNED: 
ONUIGBO, IFEOMA 
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, 
FEDERAL OPERATIONS UNIT ZONE C, OWERRI

Our attention has been drawn to publications on various online platforms indicating that the Nigeria Customs Service has reversed the ban on Rice importation through the land borders. These reports were attributed to a press interview purportedly granted by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy-Comptroller Wale Adeniyi. 

2. It has become necessary to re-state the true position in view of the confusion which these online publications may create in the industry. It is even more expedient to provide this clarification given that the fact that the Service has taken a firm position earlier in the week through a joint press conference with Stakeholders. 

3. First, we like to reiterate the position that importation of Rice remains banned through our Land Borders, and we have the commitment of Partner Government Agencies and Stakeholders to enforce this restriction. While this restriction is in force, Rice imports through the Ports are still allowed subject to payment of extant charges. 

4. It is equally important to restate the confidence of the Nigeria Customs Service in the ability of Nigerian Rice Producers to fill the existing sufficiency gaps in the supply of the product. The Service has noted with satisfaction the ongoing Rice Revolution undertaken by many State Governments, and Strategic Interventions by Federal Government Agencies. The Service is convinced that the bumper harvests expected from these efforts will address the supply gap in 2017. It is our belief that continuous waste of scarce forex on a commodity that can be produced locally makes no economic sense, most especially at a period of recession. The Service will therefore advocate a total Ban on Rice Importation into Nigeria with effect from 2017. 

5. It is worrisome that the publications that resurfaced this weekend were being attributed to a Press interview granted in October 2015. We strongly suspect that some powerful forces behind Rice Smuggling are at work, recycling an old report under a different circumstance to create confusion. We urge Nigerians to watch out for similar antics as the firm stand on Rice smuggling will pitch their selfish interest against our national interest. 

Signed 
Wale Adeniyi 
Public Relations Officer 
For: Comptroller-General of Customs