The Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller for Federal Operations Unit Zone “B,” Kaduna, Chedi Wada, has expressed regret over the use of phony presidential license plates by smugglers to transport cars around the nation.
Wada claims that these fictitious license plates, which belong to several state and municipal administrations, MDAs, Emirate Councils, and other governmental organizations, have also been dubiously used by them.
Wada made this disclosure during a courtesy call in Kaduna from Bashir Rabe-Mani, Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, Kaduna Zonal Office.
“Customs will not back down; we will keep trying our hardest to prevent smugglers from using the outdated strategies of using presidential number plates and other government institutions to smuggle expensive cars into the country,” he said.
This is one of the threats that we face. The way auto traffickers make fun of the nation’s highest office by placing presidentially issued fictitious license plates on recently imported vehicles to trick customs officials is heartbreaking.
He claims that customs officials are highly skilled individuals who can spot phony numbers with ease and are not susceptible to old techniques.
The comptroller stated, “We always impose a heavy hammer on those who use the presidency on false instances on smuggled vehicles because we are not happy with them, and it is too bad for them to be playing with the presidency.”
“We must respect the presidency, which is leadership; let them respect the presidency.”
Wada further said that several cars with fictitious license plates, including those belonging to ministries, local governments, and other government agencies, had been seized.
In addition to carrying out other official initiatives, he said that the service was tasked with suppressing trade facilitation, income, and anti-smuggling actions.
According to the comptroller, the agency is dedicated to stopping smugglers’ operations in order to save Nigeria’s economy.
According to Wada, many people are unaware of the traditions’ norms and the rationale behind various activities, and the media has been helping them to spread the word about what they are doing.
Some people may claim that customs officers will visit their homes to seize contraband, although the rules and regulations will be well publicized in the media.
The Customs Act states that upon receiving intelligence, customs officers are authorized to enter a location, seize any contraband, make an arrest, and bring charges.
“People anticipate that customs will alert them to any impending arrests or seizures at their homes or businesses.
What keeps you from removing the exhibit if I let you know I’ll be arriving?
He stated that they have had a significant impact since taking up duty in the area six weeks ago, including the seizure of several things.
Wada stated that the system is operational but also noted that they conduct investigations based on the information they receive and may pursue legal action.
The comptroller also urged Nigerians to be aware of what was going on at customs across all platforms, including social media, and to express interest in careers in the field.
Wada assured the NAN ZM of his continued cooperation with the media and the agency, and he also thanked him for coming.
Prior to the visit, Rabe-Mani stated that the goal of the visit was to strengthen the current partnership between NAN and NCS.
In order to successfully thwart smuggling and other malicious acts of economic sabotage within the zone, Rabe-Mani also actively pursued ongoing partnership.
