Some concerned Nigerians have called for stricter measures in the nation’s border security in order to boost the economy.
This is as they also flayed the activities of some officers of the Nigerian Customs at land borders in the country, whom they alleged are aiding economic sabotage through their actions, reports Daily Independent.
In a statement issued by their coordinator, Mr. Alabi Adesola, the group noted that directing import activities through sea ports could provide more than 100,000 legitimate jobs, boost tax revenue, and support local industries.
They explained that the step would also increase investor confidence, strengthen the naira, and contribute to the government’s renewed hope agenda.
The group further stressed that improving surveillance and customs operations at the borders, while encouraging local production, would help grow the economy, reduce dependency on foreign goods, and ensure safer trade practices.
The statement read; “We strongly condemn the compromised activities of Nigerian Customs at land borders, enabling rampant smuggling. This undermines our economy, businesses, and citizens’ well-being.
“The influx of imports cargo like (rice, vegetable oil, sugar, and edible products,.Milk, tomatoes paste,.margarine) pose health risks due to potential fake or expired goods.
“Smuggling also unfairly competes with legitimate businesses, threatening livelihoods and tax revenue.
“Concerns about potential arms movements and illicit activities through porous borders further exacerbate the issue.
“Today our markets all over the country are filled with foreign imported products that are illegally imported through our land borders,” the statement read.
They then urged the government to enhance border security via sea port control, strengthen customs operations by banning imports of mainly goods produce in Nigeria through land borders, curb smuggling effectively, close land borders and increase surveillance, ensure stricter customs enforcement and protection for local industries.
They said that these will attract and boost investors confidence, increase tax revenue, employment, and reduce insecurity.
“This will greatly make Naira appreciate against CFA, this administration should not allow sentiments and nepotism to cripple her economy and security to the point that the nation will be at the mercies of the alleged bad customs officials and smugglers/terrorists.
This porous land border can ignorantly cause the influx of ammunition into the country
“Based on our recent research and investigation covering two major imported products we found some of the following products imported into Nigeria without due diligence undermining the Nigerian import guidelines and collection of Duty and taxes,” the statement read.
