Condemnation Trails Customs Ban on Import, Export of Goods through Land Borders
‘Policy capable of increasing crime rate’
By Francis Ugwoke
The ban announced on import of export of goods through the land borders by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS ) Monday has been condemned by importers and freight forwarders as a very harsh security measure.
The Comptroller-General, Hameed Ali told newsmen Monday that no item can be imported or exported through the land border except the airport where they can be scanned for security reasons.
But importers and freight forwarders said the Customs management failed to take into consideration the harsh effect on other Nigerian business men and women who are into genuine businesses.
An exporter, Mr Nicholas Ozioko said restricting export and import only through the airport was without consideration that many Nigerian businessmen cannot afford the cost of using the airport.
Another exporter, Mr Chris Adegbe said it is difficult to move some perishable goods through the airport.
Adegbe pointed out that items such as fresh tomatoes and vegetables and other agricultural products cannot be moved through the airport as has been the case using the border posts.
He said that the announcement was targeted at poor traders who are struggling to survive through small scale trading within border areas.
Others who spoke to SHIPPING DAY said the measure will do more harm to the Nigerian economy by producing many jobless people than good.
Many said the measure will throw many Nigerians out of business, a situation they said will lead to increased crime rate.
Reacting to the ban, the President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Iju Tony Nwabunike said such ban if not for security issues should be gradual.
Nwabunike said the Customs needs to consider the export trade because of the foreign exchange that is being earned from it.
Ali said the policy was to enable security agencies scan goods entering the country.
He said such goods will be scan and confirmed fit for consumption before they are allowed to enter the country.
He told newsmen, “We hope that by the time we get to the end of this exercise, we would have agreed with our neighbours on the type of goods that should enter and exit our country.
“For now, all goods, whether illicit or non-illicit, are banned from going and coming into Nigeria.
“Let me add that for the avoidance of doubt that we included all goods because all goods can equally come through our seaports.
“For that reason, we have deemed it necessary for now that importers of such goods should go through our controlled borders where we have scanners to verify the kind of goods and how healthy to our people can be conducted.”
When reminded that the policy was a breach of rights of citizens on movement and international trade, the Customs boss simply said when it comes to security, all laws take back seat.
“We want to our nation, we want make sure that our people are protected. You must be alive and well for you to begin to ask for your rights. Your rights come when you are well and alive”.
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