Customs Suspends $3.2bn Modernization Project Over Litigation

The Nigeria Customs Service on Wednesday, announced the suspension of the $3.2 billion modernization project also known as e-Customs over lingering litigations.

The administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the implementation of the Customs modernization project to a concessionaire.

However, stakeholders have knocked the project, saying it is to mortgage the future of the service and also inimical to national security.

But, speaking to newsmen at a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, to announce the interception of 299 cartons of codeine syrup worth N100 million and interception of 7 trucks laden with foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic, the acting Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said due to the lingering court cases, the $3.2 billion e-Customs project has been put on hold.

He, however, announced a partnership with the World Customs Organization, WCO to develop and deploy Geospatial Intelligence at the nation’s borders.

However, the acting Comptroller General of Customs has stated that the service is dedicated to combating smuggling of illicit, regulated drugs and contrabands from neighboring West African countries.

The CG also stated that 5400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), on the verge of being smuggled out of the country to Benin Republic was intercepted by the unit

The administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the implementation of the Customs modernization project to a concessionaire.

However, stakeholders have knocked the project, saying it is to mortgage the future of the service and also inimical to national security.

But, speaking to newsmen at a press briefing at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, to announce the interception of 299 cartons of codeine syrup worth N100 million and interception of 7 trucks laden with foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country from Benin Republic, the acting Customs Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said due to the lingering court cases, the $3.2 billion e-Customs project has been put on hold.

He, however, announced a partnership with the World Customs Organization, WCO to develop and deploy Geospatial Intelligence at the nation’s borders.

However, the acting Comptroller General of Customs has stated that the service is dedicated to combating smuggling of illicit, regulated drugs and contrabands from neighboring West African countries.

The CG also stated that 5400 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), on the verge of being smuggled out of the country to Benin Republic was intercepted by the unit