AS part of his efforts towards block in the supply chains of the smugglers, the Controller Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, Comptroller Madugu Sani Jubrin, is partnering media houses for effective reportage of its operations.
In fighting smuggling, “I believe that the press has a role to play in this campaign and I enjoin you to partner with us through mass education on the dangers of smuggling.”
Even Jubrin announced that officials under the Zone A have recorded Seizures of assorted prohibited goods valued at over fifty million naira (N50, 000,000.00)only, 239 (two hundred and thirty nine) bales of second hand clothing valued at ten million, thirty eight thousand naira (N10,038,000.00) only, 1,120 (one thousand, one hundred and twenty) cartons of 950MW generators valued at thirteen million, four hundred and forty thousand naira (N13,440,000.00) only. 1,822 (one thousand, eight hundred and twenty two) bags valued at eleven million. Other items include eight hundred and forty three thousand naira (N11,843,000.00) only, 336 (three hundred and thirty six) Jerri cans of thirty six (36) cartons of vegetable oil valued at two million, four hundred and twenty one thousand, nine hundred naira (N2,421,900.00) only, 1,138 (one thousand, one hundred and thirty eight) cartons of frozen poultry products valued at six million, eight hundred and twenty eight thousand naira (N6,828,000.00) only, 42 (forty two) parcels of Indian hemps valued at two million, sixteen thousand naira (N2,016,000.00) only.
He stated that “I wish to stress that the Unit is an Enforcement arm of the Nigeria Customs Service, saddled and vested with the responsibilities of suppressing smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade. Beyond this, we are also entrusted with other oversight functions which entails operational backup to other Customs Commands in the Zone in times of distress amidst other functions. Even before I took over the mantle of leadership, I am not oblivious of the expectation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his team of Management. Prior to this development, the CGC on assumption of office intimated us with his policy thrust which is anchored on transparency, honesty and integrity. These virtues have become our guiding principle and that was why on assumption as the Controller FOU ‘A’, I stressed the need for officers/men to key into this change mantra.”
Further he stated that “as a way of ensuring that very decisive steps are taken to decimate the smugglers, we have adopted several operational modalities for the actualization of expected results.
“Part of this includes but not limited to an all-inclusive methodology involving the communities where we operate. We made frantic efforts to improve on the Customs Community Relationship (CCR) as well as synergy and collaboration with critical stakeholders. We believe that smuggling just like scavenging is a global phenomenon which requires the cooperation of all Nigerians particularly the media.