While Nigerians are crying of Food Shortages some unscrupulous elements in humans skin are busy sabotaging the efforts of Federal Government to cushion the situation but ran out of lock as the officers of Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, seized a truckload of beans totaling 400 bags with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N61.4 million.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command(CAC) Comptroller Timinadi Bomodi revealed this during a press briefing at the Command on the 5th of March 2024 .
Comptroller Bomodi stated that, “In light of our present economic realities and the reported massive food shortages nationwide, and in line with the directive to prevent illegal grain export, the Command seized a truckload of beans, totaling 400 bags with a DPV of N61,450,000.00, stockpiled in a warehouse at one of the exit corridors at the border.”
He words, “This item has been deposited in the Government warehouse for safekeeping and eventual sale to the public.”
The CAC emphasized that the anti-smuggling activities from January to February 2024,
reported 168 interventions resulting in the seizure of 2,193 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 81,930 liters of PMS, 9 vehicles, 1,425 general merchandise, 265 parcels of cannabis sativa, and other narcotics, 149 packages of codeine, and 2 locally manufactured guns, with a combined DPV of N365,888,696.00.
He said that Thirteen suspects were arrested, with 6 granted administrative bail, 3 handed over to NDLEA, 1 to the Nigeria Police, while 3 remain in custody.
He disclosed that the yearly revenue target of N7.875 billion, represents a 400% increase from 2023. The monthly collectible revenue is N656.258 million. January 2024 saw a collection of ₦643,038 million, and February, ₦517,950 million, totaling ₦1,160 billion, about 88% of the expected revenue.
He noted that in area of exports, the Command processed 184 declarations for 43 items weighing 65,185.96 MT, with an FOB of N13.057 billion. The total collected for NESS was N65.337 million, and N24.407 million as an export surcharge for previously imported goods.
He assured that the NCS remains committed to its responsibilities, stating, “These challenging times demand a more formidable defense at the Seme/Krake Joint Border Post as criminals become more desperate and daring.”
