The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Strike Force Unit, said it raised debit notes worth N1 billion from importers and shippers in the first quarter of the year.
The service also said smugglers now make use of cattle, camels, vehicles fuel compartments, used tyres, and booths to smuggle rice and other dangerous goods into the country.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lagos, the officer-In-charge of the unit, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu, said the amount generated would have been lost to smugglers, fraudulent importers, and clearing agents that under-declare cargoes at the seaports.
He stated further that the unit in the last three months intercepted foreign parboiled rice, printed label materials, used vehicles, textiles material, used tyres, and second-hand clothing.
He, however, charged importers involved in the false declaration of cargoes and under-declaration to turn a new leave and uphold true declaration.
Guardian