NMGS Collaborates with Customs To Combat Resource Smuggling.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)to address the raising threat of illegal smuggling of natural resources, which is causing significant impact on revenue loss and depletion of important raw materials.

During the visit to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the President, NMGS Akinade Olatunji emphasised the need to strengthen the capacity of Customs officers to identify and safeguard natural resources.

“We are aware of the vast quantities of resources leaving the country illegally. These finite assets must be protected. Collaborating with agencies at the exit point will ensure proper documentation, revenue remittance, and duty payment,” he said.

In response, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, acknowledged the expertise of NMGS and highlighted opportunities for collaboration. He pledged to prioritise officers training and joint efforts to curb the smuggling of raw materials.

Illicitly smuggled resources flow out of the country without proper checks. Through rigorous monitoring and accurate documentation, We can close gaps in export taxation, track resource destinations, and ensure appropriate revenue is generated,” he stated.

The meeting ended with a commitment from both parties to work together in safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources and boosting economic growth.