The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it intercepted smuggled items, including used second-hand clothes, petrol, foreign parboiled rice, amongst others worth ₦84,219,654 million and generated a revenue of ₦13,378,002 million in the last one month.
The overall seizures are 145 bales of used second-hand clothes, 13,750 litres of petrol, 114 bags (50kg each) of foreign parboiled rice, 20 cartons of new light cigarette, 70 Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuit (expired), 27 cartons of Sunwatt (AA) dry battery (expired), 40 bags (50kg each) of foreign sugar, among others, amounting to ₦84, 219, 654 million.
Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, the Customs Area Controller of Kebbi Command disclosed this during a press briefing on the Command’s activities in the last one month at its headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, March 20.
His words: “It is just exactly, 42 days today, that I took over the leadership of this Command, from my predecessor Compt. Ojike (Rtd). On that day, I made a commitment, as one of our core mandates, to enhance our revenue generation and collection. I pledged my support also, as re-emphasized by my CGC, to facilitate legitimate trade and promised, as reiterated by him too, to tackle smuggling aggressively, in a very reasonable manner.
“Consequently, Gentlemen of the Press, what we are doing here today, therefore, is not a one off show. It’s a declaration of that intent and confirmation of that purpose. Today, therefore, marks the beginning of the fulfillment of that commitment, that pledge and that promise.
“The CGC sent me here because he believes in my ability and so has given me this responsibility. And knowing that responsibility is responding to your ability and believing that there is no challenge one faces that one is not prewired to overcome, if he truly wills it, I shall not fail him! I shall not fail the Service. I shall not fail the Nation!!!”
Comptroller Nwokorie assured those in legitimate business and trade that they have a friend and supporter in the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
“He has charged us to do all we can, without compromising extant laws, to support and facilitate every legitimate trade as demonstrated in the last few months and weeks where he has been involved in the introduction and launching of one form of trade facilitation program or the other,” the Kebbi Customs boss disclosed.
He urged stakeholders and legitimate traders to make the best use of the opportunities provided by Comptroller Adeniyi in advancing and enhancing their businesses, noting that “indeed, he really wants to elevate you all to ‘StakeOwners’ instead of just Stakeholders.”
The Comptroller affirmed that the Command’s task is beyond the fight against the smuggling in and out of used clothes, foreign rice, oil and petroleum products.
“We also seize and destroy illicit drugs, guns and other dangerous and prohibited items, in collaboration with the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NPF, NSA, NIS, DSS, NA and other Agencies. We don’t do this because it will affect only our children or relatives, we do it knowing full well that we are securing and protecting your children, relatives and loved ones too.
“So, we are all in this fight together. If you cannot wear uniform and be at the borders or ports, at least, you can use your pen which is mightier than sword, according to Bulwer-Litton in his book, Richelieu, to applaud and encourage those who have put their lives on the line to save and serve you and your loved ones,” he remarked.
Nwokorie expressed gratitude to the Command’s outfield officers, CIU, O/Cs, patrol team leaders, media and Customs’ sister agencies, whose efforts, in no small measure, have contributed to the success of the feat recorded.
“Your commitment and support have been so invaluable, and we deeply appreciate you for it. Your presence here today is a testament to the kind of synergy we enjoy here. This surely, will gladden my CGC’s heart,” he stated.
On revenue generation and collection, the Comptroller explained that despite the huge setback occasioned by the closure of major border, Tsamiya/Sebgana, leaving the Command with only one authorised and official border, Kamba, the Command has managed to stay afloat, revenue wise.
“Furthermore, through collaboration and partnership with our Niger Republic Counterpart, the seamless flow of cross border trade was achieved. And based on that, even when trade was below expectations, the Command was able to generate Thirteen Million, Three Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand, Two Naira Only (₦13,378,002) within one month, which is slightly better than what was,” he said.
The Kebbi Customs boss emphasised that one of the core mandates of Command and the NCS is to combat smuggling, and in doing so, he noted that he has met with stakeholders to reawaken and rejuvenate the key units of the Command.
He also mentioned that the Command has engaged its sister agencies in intelligence sharing and concerted efforts towards useful and meaningful synergy, “knowing that nothing gives energy to strategy like synergy”.
“This synergy has undoubtedly aided in curbing the activities of smugglers and their syndicates. Though, smuggling, considering the peculiar nature of our borders, cannot be completely eradicated, all the agencies are working so hard to reduce it to the barest minimum.
“And it was based on these collaboration, cooperation and intelligence sharing with Sister Agencies, alongside the combativeness of our field Officers, that the Command was able to make the seizures within one month,” the Comptroller remarked.
Similarly, Nwokorie revealed that barely 2 weeks after he took over the helm of affairs, he paid courtesy visits to sister agencies in Kebbi State alongside his management team to foster the inter-agency collaboration in order to forge a common ground for intelligence sharing and reinforcement.
He disclosed that the visits also aim to build trust and stronger working relationship, innovation and creativity among all the agencies.
“It’s important to also let you know that I have toured round the border stations, starting from Kamba to Doleikaina, Bagudo, Maje and Lolo, to inspect the environment and the areas of operation of my officers.”
The Kebbi Customs leader assured that the Command will change the narrative and will leave no stone unturned as it strategises on ways to improve grey areas by dotting the i(s) and crossing the t(s), thereby making sure that round pegs are placed in the round holes.
He reiterated that he will discharge his duties on the mandate of Comptroller Adeniyi, including improving revenue generation, supporting and facilitating legitimate trade as well as strengthening the bond of relationships with sister agencies.
This, he said, will ensure that smuggling is reasonably reduced, if not eradicated, adding that “this is my mission and this is my bond.”
