Items to Include 158 Trailers of Rice,Trucks of Oil, Noodles
In compliance with the Presidential directive, the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service, Col, Hameed Ali (Rtd) has approved the release of relief items worth N3,251,806,000.00.
The approval, The Sight News gathered, is to boost the Federal Government’s continuous efforts to alleviate sufferings associated with the painful but necessary ongoing lockdown in some parts of the Country due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The items include: 158 trailers of Rice, 46,000 metric tons; 30 trucks Vegetable oil (251) 36,495 kegs; 1 truck Palm oil, 3,428 kegs; 54 trucks, Tomatoes paste, 136,705 cartons; 2 trucks, Spaghetti/Noodles, 2,951ctns & 1,253pkts; 1 truck, Wrappers (Ankara), 828 bales; and 1 truck, Lace fabric, 2,300 Rolls.
The estimated market value of these items is, Three Billion, two Hundred and Fifty One Million, Eight Hundred and Six Thousand Naira. (N3,251,806,000.00) with Duty Paid Value of (N2,034,954,765.00), Customs revealed.
In a statement, the Public Relations Officer, DC Joseph Attah,noted that only edible items certified fit for human consumption by NAFDAC will be released to the public.
“As a responsible agency of Government, NCS appreciates the opportunity of contributing its quota to Federal Government’s continuous efforts to provide relief for Nigerians in this difficult time.
“NCS remains committed to strictly adhering to all extant laws governing seized and overtime cargoes. Despite the prevailing risks, the Service will continue to discharge its functions of securing the land borders and collection of revenue that is needed during and post COVID-19 pandemic period.
“While urging the officers and men to remain focused on Service delivery, the CGC reminds the operatives and all Nigerians on the need to obey all directives of Government and medical experts to stop the spread of the deadly virus”, he said.
He further explained that against popular belief that Customs Officers have the liberty to use seized items as they deem fit, section 167(2) of CEMA CAP C45 LFN 2004, states that seized items upon condemnation and forfeiture to the Federal Government by a competent court of jurisdiction are kept in government warehouses pending Government directive on its disposal.
