The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’, Owerri, has urged traders and stakeholders to comply with trade regulations to foster economic growth and national development.
The Unit Head, Comptroller Bishir Balogun, stated this during his maiden press briefing on Thursday, 17 April 2025. The briefing highlighted the Unit’s anti-smuggling achievements barely one month after he assumed office.
Since taking over on 20 March 2025, the Unit has recorded significant seizures of contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding ₦1 billion. Additionally, revenue amounting to over ₦13.4 million was recovered through Demand Notices issued on under-declared goods.
Comptroller Balogun described smuggling as a serious threat to the nation’s economy, labelling it an “economic sabotage” that undermines local industries and endangers public health and safety.
Items seized include 725 bales of second-hand clothing, 2,762 rolls of satin fabric, 2,589 used tyres, 233 sacks of foreign parboiled rice, petroleum products, and 25 bales of cannabis sativa. The unit also impounded several trucks used to transport the smuggled items.
“These seizures are the result of intelligence-driven operations and the commitment of our officers to block revenue leakages and enforce trade compliance,” Balogun stated.
He commended the dedication and professionalism of his officers and men, noting that their efforts align with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to reform and strengthen the Service.
Reiterating the importance of stakeholder cooperation, Comptroller Balogun appealed to traders to adhere strictly to customs regulations. “Our officers are professionally trained to facilitate legitimate trade and clamp down on non-compliant traders,” he said.
He further disclosed that some of the seized cannabis sativa would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in line with inter-agency collaboration to combat illicit activities.
Comptroller Balogun also appreciated the media's continued support and urged them to amplify public awareness campaigns against smuggling. He called on members of the public to provide credible intelligence that would assist the Service in its efforts to safeguard the nation’s economy.
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