The Nigeria Customs Service and Kwara State government have urged prospective exporters and importers to get appropriate documents and registration before embarking on transactions.

The state's Comptroller of Customs, Mr Israel Onota, represented by his deputy, Mr Hussaini B. Ahmed, in his address at a one-day seminar organised by the Nigerian Shippers' Council, South-West Zone, in Ilorin,  Mr Onota said ignorance was no excuse in law, should anyone be caught violating existing laws.

The Customs boss, who highlighted regulations guiding exportation and importation of goods and services, said whoever was dealing with national and international transactions must adhere to the Federal Government's guidelines prohibiting certain items.

"As we all know,  ignorance is no excuse for any offence. Therefore, prospective exporters and importers are, hereby, advised to go to any nearby Customs formation to enquire ‘dos and don'ts' as regards Federal Government of Nigeria's laws and regulations on importation and exportation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperative, Alhaji Raji Muhammed, warned members of the council against violating the laid down rules.

He said the state government had discovered 21 solid mineral resources in 44 locations in the state, which were abandoned many years ago.

He also said minerals like gold, tantalite, marble, among others would be utilised by the state government through its numerous manufacturer-friendly policies.

"With an extensive rich and fertile land, favourable climate conditions, abundant mineral resources, Kwara State offers ample opportunities for prospective exporters,” he said.

Earlier, the president of Kwara State Shippers' Association, Mr Ipoola Okunlola, appealed to government to establish an Inland Container Depot in Ilorin, to assist council members for easy transaction.

He said an importer would not have to go to Lagos or any other seaport to clear containers, but wait in Ilorin for clearing.