Exporters Lament Shutdown Of Export Unit

According to Customs the shutdown was to enable a thorough investigations about a tip off on some unscrupulous Chinese who were exporting donkey skin through Emirates Airline.

Confirming the incident, Captain John Okakpu Chief Executive Officer, ABX World, described the exporters frustrations as unquantifiable, saying they have already lost millions of Naira following the Customs action.

He said Customs ought to have carried out a thorough investigation before shutting down all export businesses at the Lagos Airport.

Capt. John said the action negates Federal Government’s agricultural road map which was launched by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Monday.

He said, “We have even contacted the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and they are outraged. This is counterproductive. You don’t shut down the whole export unit because some people are suspected to be engaged in illegal business.

“What happens to the perishable items that ought to be exported since Monday? Who pays for the millions lost? Is this how to promote economic development in the country? We are telling the whole country to know that Customs has done something very anti-agric and economic growth,” he stated.

A Customs Service official of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command who pleaded anonymity said the closure was sequel to information received concerning some prohibited items.

He also said, “Customs operatives have been stationed at the export unit to investigate the tip off it received on the status of the items.

The official said it would amount to dereliction of duty if such information was treated with levity.

“I can confirm to you that our operatives have shut down the facility . This is to enable us carry out a thorough investigations on the information we got. Our men are still stationed there to ensure that we get to the root of the matter,” he added.