Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) has ordered the ban of importation of small generators popularly called ‘I pass my neighbour,’ used by low-income Nigerians.
Controller, Federation Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Madugu Sanni Jubrin, disclosed this in Lagos while speaking with newsmen.
Sanni also said that the command seized 4,733 goods worth N52 million and arrested some suspected smugglers since he assumed duties one week ago.
He said the seizures were made possible through intelligence gathering and other measures put in place by the unit with a view to ensuring that the supply chains of smugglers were fully blocked.
Conducting journalists round the seized items which included 239 bales of used clothing valued at N10 million, 1,120 cartons units of the small generators valued at N13.4 million, among others, Madugu said the unit would not relent in its efforts in ensuring that prohibited items are impounded and those involved in its importation prosecuted.
“The smaller generators have been banned by the Federal Government because it is causing air pollution and destruction of our lungs and breathing system. That is why they have banned it but people are still interested in smuggling them in, that is why we intercepted them.
“If you go to the market, you still see them because people have imported them before the ban. So it is the leftover they had before the ban that they are selling because the law did not backdate the ban and it is not an absolute prohibition.
“It is prohibition by trade which means you cannot bring it in large quantity and sell to the public. That is the type of prohibition we have on this but if you buy one piece, Customs will not seize it.
“We will not relent in our efforts. When we see any prohibited item, we will seize, arrest the people and we will allow the law court to take decision on prosecuting them. So it is better for them to stop smuggling than to continue when they know Customs will catch up with them,” he said.
