The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has stressed the need for collaboration with other security agencies and border communities to secure the nation’s borders from smuggling of illicit items into the country.
The Comptroller General of NCS, Hameed Ibrahim Ali made the remark while defending the 2021 budget of the service before the House of Representatives Committee on Customs.
He explained that despite the challenges facing the service, Customs has been trying to reduce the influx of dangerous items into the country.
“The non-functional Scanners at the various Customs’ scanning sites has adversely contributed to the Service’s inability to carry out effective examination for selective consignments.”
The Customs head also revealed a plan to re-deploy over one hundred personnel to man the land, water and air borders in line with its e-customs service in the country.
The Acting Chairman of the Committee, Mr Leke Abajide expressed concern over the porous nature of Nigerian borders, which he said contributed to revenue loss.
He reiterated the House commitment to partner with the Customs Service to check smuggling activities, improve revenue generation and create jobs for the country.
PIAK