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Customs Chief Demands End To Pilfering Of Cargo At Lagos Airport

The Area Comptroller of Muritala Muhammed Internal Airport command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),  Ms. Jayne Shoboiki said officials of ground handling companies and clearing agents are responsible for theft of cargoes at the airport.

Addressing stakeholders at the Customs office in Lagos Airport on Thursday, the comptroller warned airport officials to desist from stealing or be ready to face the consequences.

Shoboiki said: “Most officials of ground handling companies are conniving with the clearing agents to pilfer cargoes at the warehouses.

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“I have challenged the officials of these two operators but they denied any knowledge about the allegations.

“However, when I showed them my facts, they could not deny it.

“I see no reason why there should still be pilfering of cargoes at the airport because the importers had paid the necessary duties to clear their goods.

“But the agents wanted to make more money that was supposed to be for the Federal Government.

“If you need any assistance from the Customs, you can always get them, but don’t steal cargoes. I will not tolerate it,” she warned.

“Terminal operators, always look at your import guidelines.

”In the import guidelines, we have the role of the Customs, the terminal operators, clearing agents and others. We should be able to follow these guidelines.

“I am not here to disgrace anybody but I am here for revenue collection.

“The Customs Comptroller General, Hammed Alli has come to restructure the operations and I am here to help him implement the reforms and the restructuring.

“I am not going to compromise my revenue collection and I am not going to allow any impediment on my target of collecting revenues for the Nigeria Customs Service”.

But the Head of Corporate Services, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) PLC, Mr. Ahmed Gulmah, who was also present at the meeting said operators were not aware of the allegations. 
He, however, promised to  cooperate with the customs boss to checkmate illegal activities of its workers.

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CRIME