Internet Fraudsters! CUSTOM: THERE IS NO AUCTION SALES OF VEHICLES AT SEME

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, has said the command is not selling vehicles.

The CAC in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ernest Olottah, said the command attention had been drawn to the news that some internet fraudsters have been impersonating the Nigeria Customs Service by defrauding unsuspecting members of the public with purported “auction sales” at Seme Command.

“We therefore plead with the media to assist us in enlightening the general public that there is nothing of such at Seme Area Command," he said.

He enjoined the trading public to shun smuggling, fraud, false and under declaration and embrace legitimate trade.

“This country is blessed by God. The future thereof belongs to the youths. So, we are appealing to the youths to whom we will bequeath these blessings to tap into the abundance of legitimate occupations, shun smuggling and expose the crime. Goods and vehicles can be cleared at Seme Area Command in less than eight hours if importers can make honest declarations. We implore the trading public to avail themselves of the encouraging environment for legitimate trade at Seme Area Command and carry out their import/export business."

The CAC stated that the command has been facing many challenges in the discharge of its statutory roles and responsibilities.

His words: “Our major constraints are the problems of deviants and dishonest persons in the society. It is surprising that despite the seizures, losses recorded by the smugglers and even being arraigned, these deviants still engage in the illicit trade of smuggling. If our stakeholders and the trading public make honest declarations, the clearing process can be completed within eight hours.

“The swampy and marshy nature of the terrain poses a lot of problem. We also have to contend with hostility from some members of the public who see smuggling as a ‘birthright’ and with their lackeys too."

He expressed appreciation to those who have been co-operating with the command to ensure its meet its mandate.

He specifically lauded the the media, importers/exporters, licensed customs agents, traditional rulers, security agencies, members of the Customs Community Forum and officers and men of the command for their co-operation and support in the first half of the year.