Reps probe customs service over smuggling of 6.5m kilograms of rice, 2,000 cars

The Nigerian House of Representatives has directed its Committee on Customs and Excise, in collaboration with the Committee on Defence, to investigate the operations of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the nation’s borders.

This investigation will focus on allegations of smuggling activities, complicity, and incidents of brutality involving Customs personnel. It will also examine the role of military personnel attached to Customs patrols, ensuring their actions comply with legal frameworks and human rights standards.

Bill for Specialist Eye Care Centres Passes Second Reading

In a related development, the House passed the second reading of a bill seeking to amend the National Eye Centre Act, 2004, to establish more specialist eye care centres across Nigeria.

Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson, and five other lawmakers, the bill aims to expand access to quality eye care services, particularly in underserved rural areas across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

During the debate, Hon. Kalu emphasized the importance of addressing the growing prevalence of preventable and treatable eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors. He noted that the establishment of more eye care centres would significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of blindness in the country.

“Access to quality healthcare, particularly in specialized areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens,” Kalu noted. “The existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, while commendable, cannot meet the growing demand for eye care in a nation as vast and diverse as Nigeria.”

The proposed amendments include:

Establishing five additional Specialist Eye Care Centres in the remaining geopolitical zones not covered by the current legislation.

Creating separate governing boards and academic committees for each centre to oversee operations, drive research, and promote innovation in ophthalmology.

“These measures will decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ensure equitable access to quality care,” Kalu added. “This is not just about healthcare but equity and social justice.”

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abass, put the bill to a voice vote, after which it was passed and referred to the Committee on Specialty Healthcare for further legislative action.