The Importers Association of Nigeria has decried unauthorised operations involving illegal arrests, harassment, extortion, and intimidation of importers across the country.

IMAN, in a statement by its National President, Kingsley Chikezie, noted that it issued the ban to protect importers from “unscrupulous individuals in the guise of operating with IMAN permission.”

According to Chikezie, “All IMAN operations are now centralised and must be authorised in writing by the Director-General of the IMAN Special Taskforce, DIG Philemon Leha (retd.).”

The association emphasised that the decision was made to curb the loss of revenue to both IMAN and the federal government caused by unauthorised activities.

“This announcement is to prevent further loss of revenue both to IMAN and the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Chikezie added.

IMAN urged importers, enforcement agencies, and relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to adhere strictly to its directive, noting compliance is crucial to ensuring a smooth and lawful importation process in the country.

IMAN reiterated its commitment to creating a transparent and fair environment for importers, assuring stakeholders that authorised operations would continue to align with federal regulations.

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