The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted and seized diverted transit containers containing assorted goods valued at over ₦769.5 million in Kano and Jigawa axis.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this during a press briefing at the Customs House, Kano/Jigawa Area Command
According to him, the seizures involved 20 containers originally destined for inland terminals and Free Trade Zones, but illegally diverted to private warehouses and markets in violation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He described cargo diversion as a serious economic and security threat, that led to revenue losses, undermined fair competition and damaged the nation’s international trade reputation.
To address the challenge, Adeniyi said the Service was finalising nationwide deployment of an electronic cargo tracking system, which had already been successfully tested in the South-West and North-West zones.
Among the seized items were containers of ceramic and vitrified tiles, diesel engine oil, polyester materials, some of which are prohibited under the Common External Tariff.
Other interceptions were made in the Dakata Industrial Area, Kwari Market, Yankaba axis and en route to bonded terminals in Kano.
Edited by Favour Owonibi.