The Customs Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ impounds dry salted donkey skin worth over ₦3.6 billion
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ Owerri of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has impounded a 40- feet container laden with dry salted donkey skins billed for illegal export and worth N3.6 billion.
The container, classified as dry salted donkey skin, was intercepted by officers of the Unit in Owerri, the Imo State capital just as the prohibited item was uncovered by the officers following a comprehensive examination of the container as disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Compt. Abdullahi Balogun, in a chat with newsmen in Owerri.
Comptroller Balogun said, “The examination revealed that some were packed in 10 pieces per sack and nine pieces per sack, totaling 3,022 pieces. Each dry salted donkey skin, it was gathered, has an average weight of 4.5kg, giving a total weight of 13.599 kilogrammes.
“Investigations further reviewed that the global price of dry salted donkey skin stands at $750 (USD) and a unit price of $166.6 per kilogram, the means of conveyance has a price tag of N25 million.
“This novel and high profile seizure by the Unit this year is seen as a product of credible intelligence as well as surveillance by vigilant operatives of the unit. Dry Donkey skin is a product listed under the Export Prohibition list by the Federal Government due to its implications on biodiversity, environmental balance and the illegal trade in endangered species.”
Upon resumption of office three months ago comptroller BA Balogun has exhibited seriousness to his duties as the seizure profile of the Command speaks volumes.
Comptroller Abdullahi Balogun commended the dedication and professionalism of the officers involved in the seizure. He stressed that the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, remains committed to enforcing government trade policies and combating the smuggling of prohibited and endangered goods hinging on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to generate more revenue, while suppressing smuggling activities and enhance trade facilitation,
The CAC warned individuals and syndicate involved in the illegal trade of wildlife and restricted items to desist, as the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and strategic enforcement operations within the zone.
He reaffirmed that the Comptroller General of Customs has lauded the efforts of the officers and men of the Service aimed to uphold national laws, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigeria is not used as a hub for illegal wildlife trade.
The seized container is currently under investigation, and further actions will be taken in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant laws.
