Nigeria Customs Service Cracks Down on Smuggling in Zone C

By Justin Huholds

The Nigeria Customs Service's Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri, has made significant strides in revenue recovery and anti-smuggling efforts under the leadership of Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun. In his first four weeks, Balogun has overseen the recovery of N13,451,848 in revenue and seized goods worth N1,010,113,880.

In the area of seizures and enforcement, the unit's seizures include 725 bales of second-hand clothing, 2762 rolls of satin fabric, 2589 used tires, and 25 bales of cannabis sativa, among others. Balogun emphasized that smuggling is a form of economic sabotage that negatively impacts local industries and individual well-being.

His commitment to trade facilitation is top notch, while cracking down on smuggling. The unit remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade. 

Balogun called on traders to comply with customs regulations and support the service's efforts.

The Area Controller's interagency collaboration and support is not in doubt. This is why the unit handed over seized cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

Balogun thanked the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team for their support and encouraged the media to amplify the campaign against illicit trade.

Under Balogun's leadership, the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, is determined to sanitize the zone of un-customs activities and promote legitimate trade.