My father was a chief smuggler – Senator Effiong

Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district, Nelson Effiong said, his father was a smuggler, saying it was difficult dealing with smuggling challenges in the country.

He made this disclosure at a public hearing on smuggling tagged “a threat to Nigeria’s quest to self sufficiency in Rice Production and operation of I’M and NESS” which was organised by the Senate Committee on Customs, and Excise Duties in Abuja on Monday.

Recalling his father’s involvement in smuggling, he said: “My father was not just a smuggler, he was a Chief Smuggler in the 70s,” he said.

“Let us be frank to ourselves, there is no smuggling without collaboration of Customs officers and from my father’s experience in smuggling, it is difficult dealing with smuggling in Nigeria.

Giving a sweeping statement, the lawmaker said, aiding and abetting of smuggling has been the business of Nigerian Customs Service.