The Sabon-Gari Market Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association in Kano State has filed a petition against certain officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
They accuse these officers of extortion, harassment, and unlawfully seizing goods and vehicles intended for delivery to northern Nigeria.
This disturbing claim has emerged from shop owners who believe they are being targeted unjustly by customs officials.
The association claims their goods are locally manufactured and are purchased from Alaba Market in Lagos.
They emphasize that these items are legally transported and should not incur any customs duties.
However, shop owners allege they are forced to pay up to N500,000 for each truckload of goods transported from Lagos to Kano.
These demands for illegal payments reportedly begin right at the loading point in Lagos.
The harassment continues through various checkpoints in Kaduna and Zaria before culminating in Kano.
In their petition, submitted through their lawyer, A.A. Hikima Esq., the association outlines the systemic extortion they face.
They state, “Our clients are primarily local goods transporters and traders engaged in the lawful transport of non-dutiable goods, including cosmetics, solar equipment, bulbs, and bicycles.”
According to Hikima, these goods are locally manufactured and do not fall under contraband or customs duty categories.
He also highlights that this extortion has intensified over the past two years.
“This harassment disrupts our clients’ operations, resulting in significant financial losses and undermining their ability to conduct legitimate business,” he stated.
One shop owner revealed, “For every truckload, we are forced to pay as high as N500,000. This has made our businesses financially unsustainable.”
They explained how this illegal payment system works.
“Once we load our goods in Lagos, the customs officers begin demanding payments at checkpoints in Kaduna and Zaria before we reach Kano,” another shop owner said.
“This practice has turned what should be a simple transport process into a nightmare for us.”
Hikima identified specific customs officers allegedly involved in these incidents.
These include OC Bello at Alaba Market in Lagos, Officer Jaji in Kaduna, and OC Operation Alkali in Kano.
He noted that on one occasion, a trailer transporting goods was impounded without just cause.
“After extensive verification with no incriminating evidence, we had to pay N2,190,000 to secure its release,” he said.
The petition details that another customs officer named Abbas from the Kaduna command also extorted N1,050,000 for the release of goods after they had been detained arbitrarily.
“Meanwhile, another customs officer, Abubakar Isa from the Kano FOU Unit, recently extorted N400,000 for two trucks after unnecessary searches,” Hikima explained.
These incidents have devastated many businesses.
“Many of our clients have been forced to close their shops because they can no longer afford these bribes,” he added.
He pointed out that prior to the last two years, shop owners had operated for over a decade without experiencing issues like this.
The association is calling on the Nigeria Customs Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
They want to address the involvement of the named officers and implement disciplinary measures against those found guilty of extortion.
Additionally, they are urging customs authorities to issue clear directives to all personnel at checkpoints.
“Customs officers must cease such unlawful practices and respect the rights of lawful business operators,” they stated.
Hikima also called for a mechanism to monitor and address grievances swiftly to prevent further financial harm to their clients.
He said, “Upon proof and establishment of the funds extorted, we demand a full refund of all monies unlawfully collected from our clients.”
The association believes the Nigeria Customs Service should promote lawful business practices.
“We trust that the Nigeria Customs Service will uphold its mandate to deter officers from engaging in activities that violate the rights of Nigerian citizens,” Hikima stated.
When contacted, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, expressed surprise at the allegations.
He stated, “I cannot comment on what I don’t have information on. However, I would like to say that if the petition comes to us officially, it will not be swept under the carpet.”
Maiwada assured that an investigation would occur if the claims were formally submitted.
“Whoever is involved, we will investigate and take appropriate action,” he added.
“For now, I don’t have a copy of the petition, and I may not be able to comment further,” he continued.
The allegations of extortion and harassment raise serious concerns about the practices within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Business owners are left feeling vulnerable as they navigate the complicated logistics of transporting their goods.
As they wait for the customs service to respond, many shop owners hope for justice.
They believe that if the customs officers are held accountable, it could restore their faith in the system.
The ongoing situation highlights the challenges faced by local traders in Nigeria and the need for systemic reforms within customs operations.
Conclusion
The fight for justice by the Sabon-Gari Market Shop Owners and Online Marketers Association reveals the urgent need for accountability within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Their petition serves as a call to action for authorities to address these allegations and protect lawful business operations.
As the situation unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the customs service responds to these serious claims.
The outcome could have significant implications for countless businesses relying on the integrity of the customs process.