Despite
Federal Government's grant of zero duty for the importation of
machinery for the packaging of agricultural products, a 20ft
container of “READY TO EAT FOODS’’ like Egusi Soup, Jollof
Rice, Ogbono, Yam Porridge imported from India were on Monday
intercepted by the Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS).
The
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, disclosed this in
a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Lagos by the
Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme.
Yusuf
spoke with stakeholders at the SDV/SCOA Terminal while handing over
the container of imported prepared foods to officials of the National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“Why
should indigenous menu be imported into the country at a time when
investors are much sought after to boost local industries,’’
Yusuf said.
The
controller explained that the command generated 25.7 billion in
November, up from N25.3 billion recorded in October.
According
to him, the higher revenue was recorded in spite of the recession and
low imports.
He
said that the command would continue to explore all avenues for
maximum revenue collection.
According
to him, this is in view of the exigencies of the moment, which placed
more responsibilities on the service.
Yusuf
urged potential investors to take advantage of the numerous export
potential in the country for their socio-economic benefits.
In
a related development, while briefing a group of senior officers
undergoing training in the command, the controller admonished them to
make professionalism, integrity and transparency as their watchword.
He
also urged the officers to ensure effective leadership and
supervision in carrying out their duties.
Yusuf
said the various trade facilitation tools as provided in the
automation of Customs procedures would guide the officers in the
discharge of their functions.
The
controller told the officers to see training and re-training as a
veritable tools that would sharpen their knowledge toward achieving
desired results.
He
appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed
Ali, for effectively re-positioning the service in spite of global
recession.
“NCS
is still working tirelessly to remain on top of its statutory
mandate,’’ the controller said.
Yusuf
said that this could not have been possible if not for the pragmatic
leadership of the comptroller-general and his management.
“In
this era and dispensation, officers are expected to be above board
with deep sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of
their functions.
“The
Change ideology of the comptroller -general must be given priority
attention,’’ the controller said.
He,
however, warned that anybody that fails to key into the new order
would be seriously sanctioned.
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