Nigerian Customs Service has expressed disappointment over the attitude of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Governments in patronising smuggled vehicles.
Assistant Comptroller General in charge of modernization of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr Sa’idu Galadima, made the expression during an interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Customs in Abuja.
Mr Sa’idu Galadima, who was at the House to brief the Committee on the agency’s efforts to reduce long cargo clearing stages in the Nigerian ports emphasized that most of the Hilux used as escort by the MDAs are smuggled vehicles.
He said as part of plans to reduce the menace to bearest level, the service has directed that any of her officers involved in allowing such cars into Nigeria be penalized.
The Chairman Committee on Customs Service, Mr Leke Abejide, revealed that the Committee was planning to repeal some provisions in the Customs and Excise Management Act, to reduce bottlenecks hindering the agency’s smooth operations.
Mr Leke Abejide, maintained that it’s high time for the executive arm of government to redouble effort in securing the nation’s borders to be tight enough.
The Committee Chairman also appealed to the agency to give three months extension to enable those who brought in their vehicles without paying duties to do so while defaulters within the specified time should be prosecuted accordingly.
TSIBIRI SALIHU