Customs seizes donkey meat, skins in Kebbi, warns against trade of endangered species
Story from Haruna YUSUF
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kebbi State Area Command has handed over confiscated donkey meat and skins to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) as part of their collaborative efforts.
Handing over the seized items, The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Ben Oramalugo, disclosed that it generated ninety eight million, two hundred and eighty six thousand, five hundred and twenty five naira in the Month of May.
Oramalugo said the revenue generated represents 11% of the Command’s monthly target.
He said on June 12, 2023, the Command’s Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi witnessed the transfer of four hundred and fourteen (414) sacks of seized donkey meat and skins.
The Area Comptroller mentioned that the seizure began at Maje border and concluded in the Kamba axis in May.
He emphasised that the Customs have the authority, under Section 167 of CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004, to detain, seize, and condemn items imported into the country without payment of duty or smuggled contraband.
He questioned why the exporters did not follow approved routes and observe the Customs export procedures if they believed they were engaged in legitimate business.
To counter misconceptions about the legitimacy of the trade, Oramalugo explained that illegal trading of endangered species, which jeopardizes their survival, is condemned by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Nigeria is a signatory to this international agreement, ratified by decree 11 of 1985.
According to him, “As for the skins, schedule 6 of export prohibition list includes raw hide/skin including wet blue and unprocessed leather as prohibited for export under serial No 3.
And in the same vein, Serial No 7 also mentioned wild life animal classified as endangered species and their product (like lizard, elephant, crocodile etc).”
Adamu Isah Gano, the Assistant Comptroller General of NAQS in charge of the North West Zone, received the seized items on behalf of NAQS for further necessary action.
He expressed gratitude to the Command and emphasised that international trade involving endangered species is strictly regulated, requiring CITES certificates, environmental authority certifications, and permits from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON) for import or export.
The ACG NAQS concluded that the slaughter of donkeys for their products is strictly prohibited by Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services laws.
The Nigeria Customs Service was commended for its commendable interventions in curbing illicit trade.