The acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, announced on Friday that the NCS had intercepted 20 containers containing expired tomato concentrates at the Tin-Can Island port in Lagos.
The Customs boss, while showcasing the seizure, stated that the concentrate was apprehended by the Port and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) Command of the Service on August 8, 2023, and that one suspect had been arrested.
The containers were imported with the following numbers: 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.
According to CG Adeniyi, the expired tomato concentrates, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N116 million, had been falsely declared as containing almond shells and were imported by Nikecristy Investment Limited.
He warned importers and their agents against unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into the country.
“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.
“It is essential to reiterate that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to our regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties,” he added.