Customs intercepts $296m worth of illegal timber in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command, has intercepted 11 containers of timber and unprocessed wood valued at $296 million, preventing an illegal export attempt through the Apapa Port in Lagos.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Jibola Odusanya, revealed that the operation was carried out at the barge area of the port following credible intelligence.

“A total of 11 units of 20-foot containers fully laden with rough and sawn timber have been seized,” Odusanya stated. “This consignment is estimated to have a market value of $296 million.”

The intercepted container numbers include TRLU9354677, MRKU9991028, MSKUS051480, MRKU7071648, TCLU2179830, MSKUS894593, MSKU3929849, GAOU2550990, MSKU7323470, and MSKUS953248.

According to the CAC, a joint operation involving officers from the Lilypond Export Command and the Customs Intelligence Unit led to the interception on October 11, 2024. Following the discharge of export-bound containers, the suspicious ones were detained and subjected to 100% physical examination on November 1, 2024.

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“The containers were found to contain raw and processed timber, violating Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff,” Odusanya explained.

Citing Sections 148, 149, and 150 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, Odusanya announced that the detained containers have been officially converted to seizures.

“This seizure serves as a warning to exporters and individuals considering smuggling restricted items out of the country,” he added. “We have resolved not to sacrifice compliance on the altar of trade facilitation and will prevent any export that violates the laws of Nigeria.”

The CAC reaffirmed the NCS’s zero tolerance for smuggling, emphasizing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s resources and enforcing export compliance.

“This seizure underscores the CGC’s commitment to ensuring lawful export practices and deterring future attempts to breach regulations,” Odusanya concluded.

The operation highlights the Customs Service’s vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources and ensuring adherence to export laws.

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