The Nigeria Customs and its Benin Republic counterpart have met and agreed on the implementation of protocol by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on the transit of goods between the two countries, to reduce smuggling activities across borders.

Under this agreement, all secondhand vehicles popularly called “Tokunbo”, being imported into Nigeria through the neighbouring Benin Republic, would henceforth be handed over to Nigeria Customs officials at the borders for payment of the necessary import duty and proper documentation.

The meeting between the two sister states was held at the Idiroko border with the representatives of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Customs and the Director General of the Benin Customs and his entourage.

The meeting was mutual, cordial and fruitful as they seek to explore and abide strictly with the ECOWAS trade agreement, especially on the smuggling of used cars without duty payment into Nigeria from the Benin port.

While pledging logistics support by Nigeria to Benin Republic on the fight against banned goods into Nigeria, the Area Comptroller of the Ogun Customs Command, Haruna Mamudu, however bemoaned the proliferation of Rice and poultry products into the country. A situation he said is dangerous to the nation’s economy.

To demonstrate its commitment towards illegal importation of banned frozen poultry products into the country, over 18,000 cartons of frozen Turkey worth N90 million seized from various border posts were destroyed by the command. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs, Abdullahi Inde.