Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have again emphasized its prohibition by trade ban on the importation of small generators to the country which have been proven to be hazardous to human health.
The Federal Government has banned the importation of small generators popularly called 'I better pass my neighbour,' used by low-income Nigerians.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, Controller, Federation Operations Unit Zone A, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Madugu Sanni Jubrin, disclosed this in Lagos while speaking with newsmen.
Sanni also said that the command seized 4,733 goods worth N52 million and arrested some suspected smugglers since he assumed duties one week ago.
Conducting journalists round the seized items which included 239 bales of used clothing valued at N10 million, 1,120 cartons units of the small generators valued at N13.4 million, among others, Madugu said the unit would not relent in its efforts in ensuring that prohibited items are impounded and those involved in its importation prosecuted.
"The smaller generators have been banned by the Federal Government because it is causing air pollution and destruction of our lungs and breathing system. That is why they have banned it but people are still interested in smuggling them in, that is why we intercepted them.
If you go to the market, you still see them because people have imported them before the ban. So it is the leftover they had before the ban that they are selling because the law did not backdate the ban and it is not an absolute prohibition."