The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, has revealed that smugglers in Ogun State incurred losses exceeding N1.5 billion over a span of nine months.
This disclosure was made during his representation at the fifth annual symposium jointly organized by the command and Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), where he addressed the topic “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects on Border Communities and National Security.”
Shuaibu expressed deep concern over the persisting issue of smuggling, which has had dire consequences for customs officers and national security. He noted that the command has witnessed a series of unfortunate incidents related to smuggling activities, including the loss of lives and permanent disabilities among officers.
He stressed the urgency of addressing this multifaceted problem, as it not only hampers national development but also poses a significant threat to the country’s well-being and security.
Highlighting recent seizures of smuggled ammunition and harmful substances such as Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), Shuaibu underscored the threats posed by smuggling to both social well-being and national security. These threats encompass blockades of access roads by smugglers and their supporters, attacks on officers, and clashes resulting in casualties.
Shuaibu further disclosed that smugglers operating in the region had incurred losses totaling One Billion, Five Hundred Fourteen Million, Four Hundred Seventy-eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixteen Naira (N1,514,478,916.00) from January to the present. He emphasized that redirecting such a substantial amount of money toward legitimate trade could significantly contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
Reiterating the customs service’s primary responsibilities in Ogun State, which include revenue generation, the suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legal trade, and border security, Shuaibu called for unwavering support and cooperation from all stakeholders in the fight against smuggling. He emphasized that achieving zero tolerance for smuggling requires collective efforts from everyone involved.
