The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has
intercepted a 20ft container of “READY TO EAT FOODS’’ like Egusi Soup,
Jollof Rice, Ogbono, Yam Porridge imported from India.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, disclosed this in a
statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos by the Public
Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme.
Yusuf spoke with stakeholders at the SDV/SCOA Terminal while handing over
the container of imported prepared foods to officials of the National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The controller described the scenario as an “aberration”, considering the
fact that government granted zero duty for the importation of machinery
for the packaging of agricultural products.
“Why should indigenous menu be imported into the country at a time when
investors are much sought after to boost local industries,’’ the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Yusuf as saying.
The controller said the command generated 25.7 billion in November, up
from N25.3 billion recorded in October.
Yusuf said that the higher revenue was recorded in spite of the recession
and low imports.
He said that the command would continue to explore all avenues for maximum
revenue collection.
According to him, this is in view of the exigencies of the moment, which
placed more responsibilities on the service.
Yusuf urged potential investors to take advantage of the numerous export
potential in the country for their socio-economic benefits.
In a related development, while briefing a group of senior officers
undergoing training in the command, the controller admonished them to make
professionalism, integrity and transparency as their watchword.
He also urged the officers to ensure effective leadership and supervision
in carrying out their duties.
Yusuf said the various trade facilitation tools as provided in the
automation of Customs procedures would guide the officers in the discharge
of their functions.
The controller told the officers to see training and re-training as a
veritable tools that would sharpen their knowledge toward achieving
desired results.
He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed
Ali, for effectively re-positioning the service in spite of global
recession.
“NCS is still working tirelessly to remain on top of its statutory
mandate,’’ the controller said.
Yusuf said that this could not have been possible if not for the pragmatic
leadership of the comptroller-general and his management.
“In this era and dispensation, officers are expected to be above board
with deep sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of their
functions.
“The Change ideology of the comptroller -general must be given priority
attention,’’ the controller said.
He, however, warned that anybody that fails to key into the new order
would be seriously sanctioned.