The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized
two helicopters and 23 consignments of
accessories illegally imported into the country.
Dan Ugo, a deputy comptroller-general of
customs, told reporters on Friday that the two
helicopters and accessories, valued at N9.7
billion, were impounded at the Murtala
Mohammed International Airport.
“The consignment was detained at SAHCOL
cargo shed. Upon examination, the consignment
was found to contain two civil models of Bell
Helicopters 412 EP, with serial numbers 36608
and 36606,” he said.
“The consignment also contains 23 packages of
accessories, weighing 11,475kg.”
He said the two helicopters and other
accessories were seized because the importer
could not provide end user certificate from the
office of the national security adviser (NSA).
Ugo said the importer had contravened section
36 (2) of customs and excise management Act
(CEMA), Law of Nigeria, 2004.
According to him, the consignment, which was
impounded on November 7, 2016, had a duty
paid value of N9, 757,135,240.86.
Investigations, however, revealed that the two
Bell Helicopters were imported by Rivers State
Government in the twilight of the Amaechi
Administration.
But, industry sources hinted that the
transactions may not have been documented,
forcing the current administration to concede
that the choppers be handed over to the Nigerian
Air Force.
In a telephone interview, an official of SAHCOL
said he could confirm if the choppers were
imported by Rivers State Government.
Allanah said Customs reserves the right to seize
any aircraft or imported item if the importer fails
to show up for clearance and payment of
necessary duty on the consignment.
See more photos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized
two helicopters and 23 consignments of
accessories illegally imported into the country.
Dan Ugo, a deputy comptroller-general of
customs, told reporters on Friday that the two
helicopters and accessories, valued at N9.7
billion, were impounded at the Murtala
Mohammed International Airport.
“The consignment was detained at SAHCOL
cargo shed. Upon examination, the consignment
was found to contain two civil models of Bell
Helicopters 412 EP, with serial numbers 36608
and 36606,” he said.
“The consignment also contains 23 packages of
accessories, weighing 11,475kg.”
He said the two helicopters and other
accessories were seized because the importer
could not provide end user certificate from the
office of the national security adviser (NSA).
Ugo said the importer had contravened section
36 (2) of customs and excise management Act
(CEMA), Law of Nigeria, 2004.
According to him, the consignment, which was
impounded on November 7, 2016, had a duty
paid value of N9, 757,135,240.86.
Investigations, however, revealed that the two
Bell Helicopters were imported by Rivers State
Government in the twilight of the Amaechi
Administration.
But, industry sources hinted that the
transactions may not have been documented,
forcing the current administration to concede
that the choppers be handed over to the Nigerian
Air Force.
In a telephone interview, an official of SAHCOL
said he could confirm if the choppers were
imported by Rivers State Government.
Allanah said Customs reserves the right to seize
any aircraft or imported item if the importer fails
to show up for clearance and payment of
necessary duty on the consignment.
See more photos
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