By Sunday Ani
Concerned Nigerians have condemned the activities of some Customs officers at land borders in the country, calling for stricter measures.
A statement by the group’s coordinator, Mr Alabi Adesola said such activities amount to sabotage of the nation’s economy and security apparatus.
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He noted that floating of the Naira by the Federal Government, has given genuine businessmen the confidence to engage in importation businesses, knowing full well that the value of their capital won’t decline at the port of importation due to the Naira floating policy.
The group noted that the policy would have greatly benefited the government and the economy of the country but lamented that some economic saboteurs and terrorists operating under the guise of traders have illegally engaged in importation goods leading to the influx of arms due to the porous nature of borders with neighboring countries.
It noted that the total closure of land borders for importation and exportation would effectively tackle the crisis and increase the annual import revenue by between N800 billion and N1 trillion.
It warned that this type of money in the hands of illegal traders/terrorist groups would greatly cause havoc to the progress of the country and the renewed hope agenda of the president.
“If this is efficiently addressed by channeling importation of goods through sea borders, it will directly or indirectly provide legitimate jobs for more thousands of people to the credit of this administration. The effect of this will be prosperity and improved security for the nation,” the group said.
The group said the activities of some customs officers is enabling smuggling, which l undermines the nation’s economy, businesses and citizens well-being.
Part of the statement read: “We condemn the compromised activities of Nigerian Customs at land borders, enabling rampant smuggling. This undermines our economy, businesses and citizens’ well-being.
“The influx of imported cargo like rice, vegetable oil, sugar and edible products, milk, tomato paste and margarine, among others, pose a serious health risk due to possible fake or expired goods.
“Smuggling also unfairly competes with legitimate businesses, threatening livelihoods and tax revenue.
“Concerns about potential arms movements and illicit activities through porous borders further exacerbate the issue.
“Today, our markets all over the country are filled with foreign goods that are illegally imported through our land borders.”
The group urged the government to enhance border security via sea port control, strengthen customs operations by banning importation of goods produced in Nigeria through land borders, curb smuggling effectively, close land borders and increase surveillance and ensure stricter customs enforcement and protection for local industries.
It noted that the above move would attract and boost investors’ confidence, increase tax revenue, create employment and reduce insecurity.
“This will greatly make Naira to appreciate against the CFA. This administration should not allow sentiments and nepotism to cripple our economy and security to the point that the nation will be at the mercy of the alleged bad customs officials and smugglers/terrorists.
“This porous land border can ignorantly cause the influx of ammunition into the country
“Based on our recent research and investigation covering two major imported products, we found out that some products are imported into Nigeria without due diligence,” it stated.
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