The Senate has advocated that the Federal Government increases Demand notices slammed on importers aiming to circumvent the system and other severe measures to reduce smuggling operations across the country’s borderlines.
Aside from that, the lawmakers urged the Customs to continuously distribute consumable items and clothes seized from smugglers to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps to aid their speedy reintegration into the society.
Meanwhile, the senators have commended the Customs particularly the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone A, led by Comptroller Kola Oladeji, for going after the smugglers and seizing their items without recording any causalities six months after assuming office.
The lawmakers led by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Isah Jibrin, made the advocacy on Friday during visit to the Zone A Command in Lagos.
Jibrin said that with stringent punishment for smugglers would discourage the people from embarking on smuggling across the border communities.
He noted that the punishment does not solely required arrest but increasing demand notices and other financial demands could further reduce smuggling into the country.
The lawmaker added that strong collaboration between the Nigerian Customs and other law enforcement agencies could further discourage many from engaging in smuggling operations across the country.
He recommended that the customs should strengthen its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to border communities, saying building schools, hospitals and provision of other amenities that would make life better for the residents.
Earlier, Oladeji disclosed that the law enforcement agency has adjusted its operations to conform with global best practices.