WASHINGTON: The Ogun State Customs Area Command has declared a zero tolerance for rice smuggling. Speaking during an interactive session with reporters at the Idiroko Customs Area Command, Comptroller of Customs in Ogun State, Mr Waindu Multafu said the grace period given to importers who have already initiated import processes ended yesterday.
He said:”In October 2015, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS),Col. Hameed Ali(rtd) approved the reversal of an earlier policy which allowed rice imports through the land borders, once appropriate duty and charges were paid and that policy has really brought so much revenue to the government.
“It is however regrettable that since January 2016, the much desired revenue from importation of rice through the land borders started dwindling with importers blaming access to forex as major impediments.”
He added:”It should also be noted that credible intelligence sources revealed that the dwindling revenue from rice imports through the land borders do not match the volume of rice landed in neighbouring ports. Rather, it indicated an increase in rice smuggling, hence, the need to re-impose the restriction on rice coming through our land borders.
“Therefore, all officers and men of Ogun Area Command are enjoined to adhere strictly to this new directive and ensure zero tolerance to rice imports through our land borders irrespective of the volume as defaulters shall be sanctioned appropriately.”
