Ademola Babalola in Ibadan
The Nigeria Customs Service has rallied support for the federal government’s efforts to transform the agricultural sector as a major income earner.
The Comptroller of the Oyo/Osun command, Comptroller Christopher Ogar Odibu, who made the call at a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, also advised Nigerians to encourage local rice production by patronising local rice producers and a permanent stop to importation of rice into the country.
To this end, he warned that unpatriotic Nigerians, who engage in smuggling of used cars, foreign rice and other contraband goods to desist from doing so and look for other legitimate means of livelihood.
He said: “It is worrisome to note that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose. The federal government efforts in transforming the agricultural sector, especially in the area of rice production should be encouraged while importation of rice should be discouraged by all.
“I want to affirm that no matter the means of conveyance or concealment of prohibited goods, I assure you that the officers of this command are on constant surveillance and monitoring of our territory.”
Odibu said his men arrested one person in connection with the latest smuggling activities and intercepted 4,000 bags of rice including other items worth N92million duty paid value.
He also disclosed that the command was prosecuting five different cases involving a number of suspects at the Federal High Court, adding that the latest suspect would be charged to court soon.
According to him, other items recovered from the smugglers are; nine trucks, two used cars, 150 pieces of used types, 51 bales of secondhand clothes and 50 (25 liter kegs) of vegetable oil.
Odibu said the seizure was made at different locations within the command’s area of coverage, especially along Oparabodo, Musa axis of Iwajowa Local government area of Oyo State.
