The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) 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 has disclosed .
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 incident 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.
Stating that 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 in a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme 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 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 the global recession.
Arguing that the achievement NCS recorded would not have been possible if not for the pragmatic leadership of the comptroller-general and his management; Yusuf said the Customs is still working tirelessly to remain on top of its statutory mandate.
