Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has
ordered the ban of importation of small generators popularly
called ‘I pass my neighbour,’ used by low-income Nigerians.
Controller, Federation Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos of the
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Madugu Sanni Jubrin,
disclosed this in Lagos while speaking with newsmen.
Sanni also said that the command seized 4,733 goods worth
N52 million and arrested some suspected smugglers since he
assumed duties one week ago.
He said the seizures were made possible through intelligence
gathering and other measures put in place by the unit with a
view to ensuring that the supply chains of smugglers were
fully blocked.
Conducting journalists round the seized items which included
239 bales of used clothing valued at N10 million, 1,120
cartons units of the small generators valued at N13.4 million,
among others, Madugu said the unit would not relent in its
efforts in ensuring that prohibited items are impounded and
those involved in its importation prosecuted.
“The smaller generators have been banned by the Federal
Government because it is causing air pollution and
destruction of our lungs and breathing system. That is why
they have banned it but people are still interested in
smuggling them in, that is why we intercepted them.
“If you go to the market, you still see them because people
have imported them before the ban. So it is the leftover they
had before the ban that they are selling because the law did
not backdate the ban and it is not an absolute prohibition.
“It is prohibition by trade which means you cannot bring it in
large quantity and sell to the public. That is the type of
prohibition we have on this but if you buy one piece, Customs
will not seize it.
“We will not relent in our efforts. When we see any prohibited
item, we will seize, arrest the people and we will allow the
law court to take decision on prosecuting them. So it is
better for them to stop smuggling than to continue when they
know Customs will catch up with them,” he said.
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