ANTI-SMUGGLING: Lilypond Export Customs Impounds 11 Containers of Illegal Tick Wood Consignments at APMT

ANTI-SMUGGLING: Lilypond Export Customs Impounds 11 Containers of Illegal Tick Wood Consignments at APMT               

Comptroller TA Odusanya, CAC, Lilypond Export Command, NCS

It was indeed a big catch for the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), when it intercepted a total number of Eleven (11) units of 20ft Containers fully laden with unprocessed tick wood consignments worth over $295 dollars that were stacked at AP Moller Terminal in Apapa Port set to be exported illegally.           

This disclosure was made by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Lilypond Export Area Command of the service, Comptroller Ajibola Odunsanya on Wednesday November 27, 2024 during a press briefing held right inside the APM Terminal of the Apapa Port, where the containers were already positioned for export by the dubious exporter.                   

According to the CAC and to the bewildered of the visiting guests and press men, the seized containers with the following container numbers; TRLU9354677, MRKU9991028, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2543324, MSKU3929849, MSKU7323470, MSKU5953248, and GAOU2550990, have no documents, not even any history of export documents were found on the items that were said to be nipped based on high intelligence profiling.              

Comptroller Odusanya briefing Journalists on the seized consignments

Comptroller Odunsanya in his briefing said the recent seizures were made with a view to deter exporters from violating the law in the course of doing their business, as he noted that the Lilypond Command under his watch dedicated to overseeing export trade and has in recent times brought a lot of improvements in support of the Federal Government drive to promote non-oil export.

While he reiterated the resolve of the command not to sacrifice compliance on the altar of trade facilitation, but shall always prevent the export of any consignment that run in conflict with the laws of our country, the CAC noted that it is in this light that the command notifies the general public of its latest fight against smuggling and defiance to extant Customs laws and regulations.                

Giving hints on how the seizures were made, Comptroller Odunsanya said they acted based on credible intelligence, as a combined team of the Lilypond Export Command officers and officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) following the discharge of some export bound containers at the barge area of Apapa Port on October 11, 2024 intercepted and detained these containers suspected to being used for smuggling. He disclosed that a total of Eleven units of 20FT containers fully laden with Rough/Sawn Timber were seized, even as consignment is estimated to have an estimated street value of Two Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Four US Dollars ($295,944.00).     

“The LEXC on November 1,2024 scheduled the suspected containers for hundred percent physical examination and they were found to contain raw and unprocessed timber which contravenes Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff (CET).        “Particulars of these Eleven containers are TRLU9354677, MRKU9991028, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2179830, MSKU5051480, MRKU7071648, MSKU5894593, TCLU2543324, MSKU3929849, MSKU7323470, MSKU5953248, and GAOU2550990.

“Going by the provisions of Sections 148,149 and 150 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 the detained containers are hereby being converted to seizures.        “While we are yet to apprehend the culprits behind this criminal act, we expect these seizures to serve as deterrent to any person or export trader planning to perpetuate similar offence’, the CAC said.

Comptroller Odunsanya conducting newsmen and guests round the 11 containers tick wood seizures

He however assured that the long arms of the law would catch up with anyone that dares our resolve, harping that this further underscores the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling, even in the area of export, noting that “It goes further to confirm our alertness with the support of other units within the service and sister government agencies to detect and prevent criminal activities in the area of export”.

Comptroller Odunsanya also used the opportunity to, once again, urge Small, Medium and Large-scale exporters to take advantage of the command’s easy processes and window of opportunities provided by the Federal Government to encourage export trade, as he noted that his led command shall continue to engage their partners and stakeholders as mandated by the CGC following the theme of the World Customs Organization for 2024 and that of the recently held 2024 Comptroller General of Customs Conference.

Meanwhile, the seized containers items were at the press briefing venue officially handed over to the Forestry Ministry and taken custody on behalf of the Director, Federal Departrment of Forestry, Dr. (Mrs.) Hajara Umar Sami by Mrs Ibitayo.         

In her speech, she explained that Forest play a critical role for the Global Environment, population and the economy. Sustainably managed forests provide key services, contributing significantly to ecological stability, climate regulation (adaptation & mitigation), biodiversity conservation and sustainable development among other numerous roles.

“The Forest-based sector across it’s value chain provides employment for over 13 Million workers. Estimated 500 Milion people depend on the Forests for their Livelihood, industries and businesses rely on the forests for fiber and other raw materials.

Mrs Ibitayo, Representative of Director, Department of Forestry, delivering her speech at the briefing

“To ensure a Sustainable trade in Forest Products, Federal Government has put several regulatory measures in place which includes the review and adoption of the 2023 POLICY GUIDELINE ON THE EXPORT OF PROCESSED WOOD AND CHARCOAL and the NIGERIA TIMBER LEGALITY STANDARDS 2023 to engender smooth, efficient and effective timber and timber products trade for sustainable forest management and to strengthen control of illegal logging and trade in timber and other wood products.            

“In addition to the above, no wood and allied products are expected to leave the shores of this Nation without a CITES permit duly issued by the Federal Ministry of Environment.

“According to Section 1 subsection 4.1(a), “No person shall undertake or engage in any activity relating to local or commercial wood production processing or exportation without a valid Letter of Support”. Section 13.0 (b) also stated clearly, “Possession of Letter of Support from the Ministry of Environment, (Federal Department of Forestry) and Forest Product Pre-shipment Clearance Certificate issued at the Port of exit by the Inspectorate and Wood Grading Units at the Ports, is a pre-requisite for loading of Containers aboard Vessels”

“Also, we have approved sizes and maximum allowable dimensions especially of Timber and Wood products stated in the Letter of Support but from what we have seen today, the owner/exporter of these consignments obviously did not comply with the approved dimensions”, her speech read.            

She said the operation was conducted as part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging and protect the nation’s forests and biodiversity, noting that the seized timber has violated existing forestry laws and regulations, and does not only underscore the collaborative efforts of customs enforcement but also highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance in protecting our forest resources. Investigations into the origin of the timber and the individuals or organizations involved, has commenced.       

The ministry however commended the Nigerian Custom Service for a job well done, as she noted that all hands must be on deck to ensure a Sustainable increase in the Nation’s forest cover.