The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a 20ft container of Nigerian foods such as Egusi Soup, Jollof Rice, Ogbono, and Yam Porridge imported from India.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement made available to the media in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme.
Yusuf spoke with stakeholders at the SDV/SCOA Terminal while handing over the container of imported ‘ready to eat foods’ to officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Describing the situation as an “aberration” Yusuf wondered, “Why should indigenous menu be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought after to boost local industries”.
Describing the situation as an “aberration” Yusuf wondered, “Why should indigenous menu be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought after to boost local industries”.
The controller said the command generated 25.7 billion in November, up from N25.3 billion recorded in October pointing out that the higher revenue was recorded in spite of the recession and low imports.
Emphasizing that the command would continue to explore all avenues for maximum revenue collection, he said this is in view of the exigencies of the moment, which placed more responsibilities on the service.
At briefing he held with a group of senior officers undergoing training in the command, the controller advised them to make professionalism, integrity and transparency as their watchword.
Yusuf said the various trade facilitation tools as provided in the automation of Customs procedures would guide the officers in the discharge of their functions.
The controller told the officers to see training and re-training as a veritable tool that would sharpen their knowledge toward achieving desired results.
He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, for effectively re-positioning the service in spite of global recession.
“In this era and dispensation, officers are expected to be above board with deep sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of their functions.
“The Change ideology of the comptroller -general must be given priority attention,’’ the controller said.
He warned that anybody that fails to key into the new order would be seriously sanctioned.
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