The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Edoh has called on the federal government to investigate a crisis that broke out at the Seme border recently leading to the death of no fewer than thirty-three Nigerians which was alleged to be fueled by smuggling of the Nigerian crude.
The Ambassador who spoke bitterly on the illegal act of smuggling pointed out the federal government is losing a lot of funds daily through the channels of the Nigerian borders.
While speaking to newsmen , he said, smugglers have been using the Seme border to smuggle at least 2000 liters of fuel daily from the Nigerian economy which is undergoing serious hard times at the moment.
In his opinion, he said, the Nigerian Customs Service should be allowed to do its job, and competent officers should be placed on such strategic borders to bring to an end such an act.
“Nigerians are suffering and a few individuals keep on smuggling fuel out of the already stressed economy at the detriment of the nation. This doesn’t only take place in Seme alone. Elena, Mobile, Katsina borders, and others are very cheap routes for smugglers and this must not continue again.
“The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi should as a matter of urgency act fast and put this to an end while the federal government under the dynamic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR investigate other security agencies who are aiding smuggling.
“It would be better these actions are taken now else we the youths of this country will not continue to fold our arms and keep watching as our future is determined by a few individuals, illegally.
“There are various measures that can be taken to curb smuggling and strengthen border security. Some of them are Increased patrolling: Increase the number of border guards and patrols to monitor the border more closely. This will help to detect and intercept smugglers before they can cross the border with their illegal goods.
“Use of technology: Employ technology such as drones, sensors, and other surveillance equipment to monitor the border in real time and detect illegal activities.
“Strengthening laws: Enforce stricter laws and penalties for smuggling and illegal activities at the border. This will act as a deterrent for smugglers and help to reduce the incidence of smuggling.
“Collaboration with neighboring countries: Work with neighboring countries to share intelligence information and coordinate efforts to combat smuggling.
“Training and education: Train border officials to identify and intercept smugglers and provide education to the public on the negative impacts of smuggling.
“Increasing resources: Increase resources such as funding, personnel, and equipment to enhance border security operations and combat smuggling effectively”.
