Customs Boss Praised for Checkmating Smuggling
From Amby Uneze in Calabar
The ability of the Controller of the Cross River Cus-toms Area Command, Comptroller Jerry Alagba-oso and his men to effectively checkmate the smuggling activities of smugglers in the command has been praised, attributing it to the dexterity and foresight of the present management.
This view was made recently by some officers of the Nigeria Custom Services (NCS) in the command while contributing to the reason for the tremendous increase in the revenue generation of the command in the last seven months, which over shot its target by a very reasonable percentage.
THISDAY gathered that the command, comprising of Cross River, Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) and Akwa-Ibom, generated a revenue figure of N1.5 billion, in seven months, made of N367 million in the first quarter, N830 million in the second quarter and N299 million in the month of July this year.
The command, which recently made a seizure of 820 cartons of perishable frozen chicken valued at N3 million in a 911 lorry at Ikang in Cross River State, had consistently been warning smugglers to desist from the act as "die-hard smugglers who dare government fiscal policies and the anti-smuggling capacities and capabilities of the command would be given the fight commensurate with their un-wholesome practices and techniques."
Also speaking on the activities of the command, Alagbaoso described his men as very hard working and responsive, adding that with the determination of all the officers of the command, they would live no stone unturned in ensuring that they get rid of all smuggling activities.
He expressed optimism that CFTZ and the Free Port would once again witness economic boom as some steps he had taken since assumption into office at the command had yielded positive results.
THISDAY gathered that many investors and importers have indicated their interest in doing business at the zone, while the command has assured that though the new re-structured customs would be business-friendly, it would not compromise her duties which include national security, revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities.
The comptroller, debunked allegation that the command seized large quantity of raw cement because the importer (Sokomi) refused to get her way through, adding that the company in question did not comply
with the directives of the FTZ policy.
|
