The Nigeria Customs Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of the Command has delivered seized donkey meat and skins to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) as part of interagency collaboration.
The handover took place recently at the Command’s Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
The confiscated items, consisting of 414 sacks of donkey meat and skins, were seized by the Command along the Maje border and in the Kamba axis in May.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo emphasized that the amount represents 111% of the Command’s monthly revenue target.
Regarding the seized donkey meat and skins, he explained that Customs has the authority to detain, seize, and condemn items under Section 167 of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004 if they are smuggled into the country or imported without payment of duty, regardless of their importability or status as contraband.
He emphasized that the same rules apply to items intercepted by customs that are about to be smuggled out of the country, as Section 63 of CEMA clearly outlines the proper export procedures.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo questioned the exporters’ decision not to follow the approved route and observe Customs’ export procedure if they believed they were acting within the law.
To dispel any misconceptions about the legitimacy of the business, Dr. Ben Oramalugo further explained the reasons for the seizure.
He pointed out that the illegal trade of endangered species, which poses a threat to their survival, is frowned upon by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to which Nigeria is a signatory. He also mentioned that Nigeria ratified the convention through decree 11 of 1985.
He highlighted that Schedule 6 of the export prohibition list prohibits the export of raw hide/skin, including wet blue and unprocessed leather, under serial number 3.
Additionally, serial number 7 includes wildlife animals classified as endangered species and their products (such as lizards, elephants, crocodiles, etc.).
During the handover, Adamu Isah Gano, the Assistant Comptroller General of NAQS in charge of the North West Zone, received the items for further necessary action.
He appreciated the Command’s efforts and emphasized that international trade involving animals designated as endangered species is strictly regulated.
“Traders must possess CITES certificates, certificates of exportation or importation issued by the country’s environmental authority, sanitary/hygienic certifications, and ultimately, permits from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON) to import or export such animals.” He said.
The ACG NAQS concluded that the slaughter of donkeys for their products is strictly prohibited by the existing laws of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service for their commendable interventions to halt the illicit trade.