Lilypond Export Command Intercepts 11 Containers Laden With Raw And Sawn Timber Worth $295, 944.00thanks
Lilypond Export Command Intercepts 11 Containers Laden With Raw And Sawn Timber Worth $295, 944.00
By Asuquo Nuwak
The Lilypond Export Processing Command of Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, has announced a total seizure of eleven units of 20ft containers laden with rough and sawn timber at the estimated street value of $295,944.00.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, disclosed this during a press briefing at the APMoller Terminal, Apapa on Wednesday 27 November 2024, to keep stakeholders abreast with the activities and most recent seizures made with a view to deterring exporters from violating the law in the course of doing their business.
He recalled that Lilypond Export Processing Command is dedicated to overseeing export trade and has brought a lot of improvement s in support of the federal government drive to promote non- oil export.
He said, it is in light of this that the command have resolved not to sacrifice compliance on the altar of trade facilitation and always prevent the export of any consignment that run in conflict with the laws of the country.
Similarly, he said, it is in light of this that the command notifies the general public of its latest fight against smuggling and defiance to extant customs laws and regulations.
He disclosed that this consignment was Intercepted through credible intelligence, a combined team of the Lilypond Export Command officers and officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) following the discharge of some export bound containers at the barge area of Apapa port on 11 October 2024, intercepted and detained these containers suspected to be used for smuggling.
He said when the Lilypond Export Command on 1 November 2024 scheduled the suspected containers for hundred percentage physical examination, they were found to contain raw and unprocessed timber, which contravenes schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff (CET).
The breakdown of the
particulars of these
eleven containers included TRLU9354677, MRKU9991028, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2543324, MSKU3929849, MSKU7323470, MSKU5953248, and GAOU2550990.
He said, in line with the provisions of sections 148,149 and 150 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the detained containers are hereby being converted to seizures. While the command is yet to apprehend the culprits behind this criminal act, the command expect these seizures to serve as deterrent to any person or export trader planning to perpetuate similar offence.
He assured that the long arms of the law would catch up with anyone that dares their resolve. According to him, this further underscores the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling, even in the area of export. He announced that, it goes further to confirm the alertness with the support of other units within the service and sister government agencies to detect and prevent criminal activities in the area of export.
He used the opportunity to once again urge the small, medium and large-scale exporters to take advantage of the easy processes and window of opportunities provided by the federal government to encourage export trade.
At the end of the press briefing, he said command shall continue to engage their partners and stakeholders as mandated by the CGC following the theme of the World Customs Organization for 2024 and that of the recently held 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Conference.
About The Author
