Concerned Nigerians have condemned the activities of some officers of the Nigerian Customs at land borders in the country and saboteurs of the Nigerian economy and security apparatus.

By the single act of floating of the Naira by the administration of the President, legit businessmen have been given the confidence to engage in importation businesses, knowing fully well that the value of their capital won’t decline at the port of importation due to the Naira floating policy of the President.

This policy would have greatly benefited the government and the economy of the country by far but some economic saboteurs and terrorists operating under the guise of traders have illegally imported goods and may lead to an influx of arms due to the porous nature of our neighboring countries.

The total closure of land borders for importation and exportation will effectively tackle this crisis and also increase the annual import revenue by about eight hundred billion naira to one trillion naira.

This type of money in the hands of illegal traders/terrorist groups will greatly cause havoc to the progress of the country and the renewed hope agenda of the president.

Suppose this is efficiently addressed by channeling importing goods through sea borders. In that case, this will directly or indirectly provide legitimate jobs for more than a hundred thousand people to the credit of this administration.

The effect of this will be prosperity and improved security for the nation.

The concerned citizens said in a statement by their coordinator, Mr Alabi Adesola and made available to the media on Saturday, that the activities of the customs officers is enabling smuggling, which they said undermines the nation’s economy, businesses and citizens’ well-being.

“We strongly condemn the compromised activities of Nigerian Customs at land borders, enabling rampant smuggling. This undermines our economy, businesses, and citizens’ well-being.

“The influx of imported cargo like rice, vegetable oil, sugar, edible products, Milk,  tomato paste, and margarine poses health risks due to potential fake or expired goods.

“Smuggling also unfairly competes with legitimate businesses, threatening livelihoods and tax revenue.

“Concerns about potential arms movements and illicit activities through porous borders further exacerbate the issue.

“Today, our markets all over the country are filled with foreign imported products that are illegally imported through our land borders,” the statement read.

They then urged the government to enhance border security via seaport control, strengthen customs operations by banning imports of mainly goods produced in Nigeria through land borders, curb smuggling effectively, close land borders and increase surveillance, ensure stricter customs enforcement and protection for local industries.

These will attract and boost investors’ confidence, increase tax revenue, employment, and reduce insecurity.

This will greatly make Naira appreciate against CFA. This administration should not allow sentiments and nepotism to cripple her economy and security to the point that the nation will be at the mercy of the alleged bad customs officials and smugglers/terrorists.
This porous land border can ignorantly cause the influx of ammunition into the country

Based on our recent research and investigation covering two major imported products, we found some of the following products imported into Nigeria without due diligence, undermining the Nigerian import guidelines and the collection of duties and taxes.