The Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone “B” in Kaduna, Chedi Wada, expressed concern over the utilization of counterfeit presidential number plates by smugglers to transport vehicles throughout the country.
Wada noted that these smugglers have unscrupulously employed counterfeit number plates from diverse state and local governments, MDAs, Emirate Councils, and other governmental institutions.
He revealed this information during a courtesy visit by Bashir Rabe-Mani, the Zonal Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria, Kaduna Zonal Office.
He said, ”Customs will not relent; we will continue to do our best by not allowing smugglers to use the old tactics of using the presidential number plates and other governmental institutions to smuggle luxurious vehicles into the country.
”This is one of the menaces we are having. It is saddening how vehicle smugglers are ridiculing the apex seat in the country by using presidential fake plate numbers on newly smuggled cars to deceive customs,”
According to him, customs are well-trained personnel and can easily identify fake numbers and cannot be played by the old tricks.
The comptroller said, “We are not happy with them, it is too bad for them to be playing with the presidency, that’s why we always put a heavy hammer on those using the presidency on false instances on smuggled vehicles.”
“Let them respect the presidency, we must respect the presidency that is leadership.”
Wada also revealed that they have seized numerous vehicles with counterfeit number plates, including those falsely claiming affiliation with local governments, ministries, and various government institutions.
He emphasized that the service is tasked with the responsibility of curbing anti-smuggling activities, enhancing revenue and trade facilitation, and implementing other governmental policies.
The comptroller affirmed the service’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy by thwarting the activities of smugglers. He highlighted the role of the media in extending awareness to the public, expressing concern that many people do not understand the customs rules and the rationale behind certain actions.
“Some will say customs will come to their houses to take contraband, but all this will be amplified through the media on what the rules and regulations are.
‘According to the Act of Customs, on getting intelligence, customs can enter the premises and take contraband away, possibly arrest and prosecute.”
”People expect customs to notify them of any planned seizure at their houses or shops or arrest.”
If I inform you that I am coming, what stops you from taking away the exhibit.”
He mentioned that within the six weeks since he assumed his role in the zone, significant progress has been achieved, including the confiscation of various items.
Wada emphasized that the system is effective and highlighted their commitment to conducting investigations based on the obtained information, with potential prosecutions.
The comptroller encouraged Nigerians to take an interest in customs jobs and stay informed about customs operations across all areas, including its social media platforms.
Wada expressed appreciation to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Zonal Manager for the visit and assured continuous collaboration with the press and the agency.
In his earlier statements, Rabe-Mani highlighted that the purpose of the visit was to enhance the established relationship between NAN and NCS. He also called for ongoing collaboration to effectively curb smuggling and other illicit acts of economic sabotage within the zone.