The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) seized goods valued at N8.5 billion, which entered into the country through illegal sources in 2013, an official publication of the service has revealed.
The publication, “Naija Customs,” said that the value of the impounded goods was N3.1 billion higher than the N4.6 billion worth of goods seized in 2012.
The NCS attributed the improved performance in seizure of unauthorised goods during the period to dedication of officials.
It stated that the seizures were made at the seaports, airports and border posts, adding that it would strengthen the anti-smuggling strategies and ensure that smuggling was reduced to the barest limit.
A break-down of the seizures showed that goods valued at N2.5 billion were seized in the first quarter of the year, N2.3 billion in the second quarter, N1.9 billion in the third quarter and N1.8 billion in the fourth quarter.
The service explained that the cost placed on the seized goods were their market values and the duty that ought to have been paid on them.
The publication said that the value of the goods was N7.1 billion while the duty payable on them was N1.4 billion.
It stated that rice and vehicles topped the list of the goods seized during the period.
