…said they have suffered extortion despite approval of their business by relevant national approval agencies
Traders dealing on dried meat under the aegis of Dried Meat Preservers Traders Association (DMPTA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to rescue them from alleged harassment and extortion by Nigeria Customs Service.
The traders said they have suffered extortion despite approval of their business by relevant national approval agencies in charge of the business.
The appeal followed recent statement issued by the Nigeria Custom Service Kebbi State Area Command that it has seized a truck loaded with donkey meat, skin and hides belonging to the association but intended to be smuggled out of the country.
Addressing reporters at their national headquarters Onitsha, Anambra State, National Chairman of the association, Chief Ikechukwu Aniude described the statement as wicked, tissue of lies and concoction to blackmail their business.
He also appealed to National Assembly members-elects from Southeast to save them from the allegations to avert being thrown out of business.
He said, “On 8th March, 2022 our goods worth about N200 million were seized and destroyed followed by another one on 22nd March, 2022 last year where a trailer load of their goods worth N200 million was unjustly seized and quickly destroyed.
“The latest one was apprehended in Kebbi State on 18th May, 2023 this year and seized on flimsy allegation that it was carrying hides and skin and made to be exported to another country.
“This is another wicked allegation to blackmail our business. Our business was declared legal by all the approval agencies setup to regulate the business.
“We don’t deal on hides and skin or indulge in exportation of our products to other countries as wickedly alleged by the Nigeria Custom.
“We rather engage in donkey meat preservation which is certified legal by all the national approval agencies set up to regulate the business.”
