The Comptroller General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, on Thursday warned smugglers operating in the country to change business or face the wrath of the law.
Change business or face wrath of the law, customs boss warns smugglers
"By 2017, rice importation will stop, to give our local farmers opportunity to produce the commodity for our consumption and export,’’ he said.
Recommended articles
![Cubana Chief Priest [Leadership/X]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Cubana Chief Priest [Leadership/X]")
Ali gave the warning at a meeting with traders and other stakeholders in Kano.
"Smuggling is one of the dangerous activities which affect the nation’s economy, so, smugglers should change business because it is an illegal business,’’ he said.
According to him, there is the need for people, especially those who have the impression that smuggling is a legal source of livelihood, to have a change of mind.
ADVERTISEMENT
‘’Many people are of the belief that smuggling is a legal source of livelihood, but it is not; it an illegal business,’’ Ali said.
On rice importation, the CG said that the service would not reduce duty being charged on imported rice until when the Federal Government directed it to do so.
He, therefore, urged importers in the country to ensure that they pay duty only at the approved rates to avoid any inconvenience.
According to him, the country cannot afford to continue to import rice if farmers are to be encouraged to produce the commodity.
He assured the traders that the service would establish effective channel of communication with stakeholders.
ADVERTISEMENT
"One of our mandates is trade facilitation, to ensure that the legitimate aspects of your businesses are entertained,’’ he said.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Gov Mbah plans befitting burial for Nollywood stars Mr Ibu, Junior Pope
Tinubu made naira world’s best, what PDP failed to do in 16 years - Onanuga
8 suspects disrupt inauguration of appointed commissioners at Kano Govt House
Yahaya Bello stripped of police protection as IG withdraws officers attached to him
No need to run when EFCC invites you, Cubana Chief Priest advises Nigerians
Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details
Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building
NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products
Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves
Pulse Sports
Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami
Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe
Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
![Nigerians in diaspora are urged to be patriotic toward the nation [Jenny M.C.]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Nigerians in diaspora are urged to be patriotic toward the nation [Jenny M.C.]")