Historic seizure: Customs intercepts, seizes 1,600 drums of expired tomato Concentrates Worth N116m in Lagos

“The audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable”

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) command Lagos has intercepted and seized 1,600 drums of expired tomato concentrates concealed in 20×20 feet containers.

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who made the disclosure in a press briefing at the Command on Friday stated that the seizure was unprecedented and historic milestone in the history of the command.

The expired products the CG said were concealed in 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, by a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited. A feat he further described as a boost to the new administration’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and discourage unlawful practices as false declarations.

Some of the containers revealing the drums inside

Revealed that In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).

seizure according to the Customs boss was processed through three separate single good declarations (SGDs) forms, as a testament to the unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling as well as determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports as such.

Act of such he explained contravened the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023; and directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.

In connection with the seizure, one Okonkwo Oliver Izunna was said to have been arrested however on an administrative bail while investigation continues.

Adeniyi reiterated that the primary objectives of the Nigerian customs under his watch are to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of the nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses.

Party of the release stated this: “Today, we stand before you to announce a remarkable seizure at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), a seizure that marks a historic milestone in the history of the command. We have successfully intercepted and detained a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of this command.

“On the 8th of August, 2023, during a routine examination, our vigilant officers at PTML uncovered a cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption. The audacity of the smugglers to attempt introducing this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening.

“In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).”

However the containers as stated by Adeniyi remain in Customs’ custody, officially recorded as seizures,

He went on to say, “The container numbers involved in the operation are: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351.

“I would like to take this opportunity to send a stern warning to importers and their agents, urging them to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into our country.

“The audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable. I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide”.

He reiterated that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties.

“Remember that compliance brings numerous benefits, including building a reputation for integrity, saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties, and staying out of legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of licenses, and blacklisting,”

The acting CG to this end, charged all importers and their agents to act patriotically by making honest declarations to fast-rack development and economic growth