The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted a 20ft container of “READY TO EAT FOODS’’ like egusi soup, jollof rice, ogbono, yam porridge imported from India.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Bashar Yusuf, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Uche Ejesieme.

Mr. Yusuf spoke with stakeholders at the SDV/SCOA Terminal while handing over the container of imported prepared foods to officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC.

The comptroller described the scenario as an “aberration”, considering the fact that government granted zero duty for the importation of machinery for the packaging of agricultural products.

“Why should indigenous menu be imported into the country at a time when investors are much sought after to boost local industries,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Yusuf as saying.

The controller said the command generated N25.7 billion in November, up from N25.3 billion recorded in October.

Mr. Yusuf said that the higher revenue was recorded in spite of the recession and low imports.

He said that the command would continue to explore all avenues for maximum revenue collection.

According to him, this is in view of the exigencies of the moment, which placed more responsibilities on the service.

Mr. Yusuf urged potential investors to take advantage of the numerous export potential in the country for their socio-economic benefits.

In a related development, while briefing a group of senior officers undergoing training in the command, the controller admonished them to make professionalism, integrity and transparency as their watchword.

He also urged the officers to ensure effective leadership and supervision in carrying out their duties.

Mr. Yusuf said the various trade facilitation tools as provided in the automation of Customs procedures would guide the officers in the discharge of their functions.

The comptroller told the officers to see training and re-training as a veritable tools that would sharpen their knowledge toward achieving desired results.

He appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Hameed Ali, for effectively re-positioning the service in spite of global recession.

“NCS is still working tirelessly to remain on top of its statutory mandate,’’ he said.

Mr. Yusuf said that this could not have been possible if not for the pragmatic leadership of the comptroller-general and his management.

“In this era and dispensation, officers are expected to be above board with deep sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of their functions.

“The Change ideology of the comptroller -general must be given priority attention,” he said.

He, however, warned that anybody that fails to key into the new order would be seriously sanctioned.

(NAN)