In compliance with the Federal Government directives aimed at ensuring food security in the country, Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has toughened vigilance at its borders to checkmate any attempt to smuggle out food products even as the Command intercepted one trailer fully loaded with bags of grains.
Physical examination of the truck revealed that it contained 800bags of white sorghum valued at six million, two hundred and twenty-seven thousand and two hundred naira (6,227,200) naira.
Briefing newsmen on the Command activities in the last two weeks in Birnin Kebbi, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Attah revealed that the outbound Daf truck with Reg. No. JEG 27 XB was intercepted by Rapid Response Team of the Command along Maidahini-Bunza Road on 15th May 2022.
Attah noted that the ongoing crisis between countries known for grain production has created uncertainty in the global grains market.
“As countries look elsewhere for these essential products, it is imperative to secure our locally produced grains to avoid being plunged into a food crisis.
“In addition to putting our officers and men on high alert, we have undertaken stakeholders’ engagements across all the Command’s borders, enlightening border communities on the implication of exporting farm produce, especially grains.” he said
Reeling out the Command’s achievements in the span of two weeks from 1st to 15th May 2022, he said The Duty Paid Value of all the items seized during the period under review is N27,677,659.
Seizures include; two hundred and nine (209) jerricans (5,225 Liters) of PMS, eighteen jerricans (450 litres) of AGO, one Daf Truck used as means of conveyance, thirty-nine (39) bags of foreign parboiled rice, five cartons of medicaments and ten (10) bales of second-hand clothing, among others.
Commenting on the recent reopening of Kamba Border and reactivation of the Command’s ICT centre, Comptroller Attah assured stakeholders that the Command is ready to facilitate legitimate trade for all stakeholders who choose to transact their business through the Command, stressing that all relevant units at the border have agreed to jointly examine consignments to remove unnecessary delays.
“What we only ask for is compliance vis-a-vis proper documentation, truthful declaration and appropriate payment of duty”, he said.
