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By Joel Anekwe
The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has asked relevant security agencies in the country to declare a total war against smuggling, especially on the activities of illegal importers.
Speaking to journalists after his installation as the new national president of the association last week, Hon. Obiajunwa Lawrence pledged his determination to ensure that illegal importation is reduced to the barest minimum in the country.
Other areas targeted by the association include the importation of sub-standard and adulterated goods as well as all other nefarious activities that are detrimental to the economy of the country as far as importation is concerned.
In his acceptance speech, the new president stated that the country had lost so much, in terms of human and material resources, to the activities of these illegal importers.
He noted that most of the ‘weapons used by terrorists in some parts of the country were brought into the country by illegal importers adding that their dubious and criminal activities are responsible for the demise of the local industry in the country.
Lawrence thanked the board of the association for finding him worthy to lead the body and asked that all hands be on deck to check the activities of those he described as economic saboteurs.
He said that the laws on importation in the country are strategic and clear, stressing that they must be followed to the letter if the economy of the country was to be revamped and protected.
Also speaking, the national secretary of IMAN, Kingsley Chikezie described the association as a “child of necessity born out of the need to protect Nigerians and to grow her economy.”
He also stated that the board of directors of the association has a lot of trust and confidence in the new President due to his experience and pedigree both as an astute businessman and an importer.
Journalists present at the event were shown some trucks and products that were recovered in the past by the special task force put together by the association.
Ambassador Chijioke Okoro, the deputy director general, IMAN special task force called for the support of all Nigerians, especially the military to ensure that the country is rid of illegal importers and smugglers of fake and adulterated products into the country, adding that the association was not deterred by the challenges it has been facing, but was more determined to go all out to achieve its objectives.
