The Controller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), disclosed this to journalists during the 54th Session of the state House Ministerial Briefing, organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Aso Rock Villa.
Ali also warned Nigerians to be wary of rogue officers and not get scammed.
He noted that the custom’s fight against smuggling had since evolved, thereby necessitating the procurement of additional aircraft to intercept smuggling across Nigeria’s borders.
These efforts, he explained, were in collaboration with the Nigerian Airforce.
The customs chief also warned that imported rice was unfit for consumption and dangerous to human health.
According to him, imported rice is being preserved with chemicals that have short life span. Consequently, customs officers regularly seize such items from the markets to safeguard Nigerians.
The seized bags of rice, he said, are thereafter distributed to IDP camps and the needy after certification by NAFDAC.
He noted that customs had also generated N2.14tn in 2022, as against the projected N3.02tn, adding that the shortfall was because the Federal Government was yet to commence the collection of telecommunications tax.
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