Customs Seizes 2,339 Bags of Foreign Rice Worth N211m in Ogun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has intercepted 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice with a total value of N211.1 million.
The Area Comptroller, Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference in Idiroko, Ogun State, saying the seizure was part of the command’s sustained efforts to curb smuggling and protect local farmers, manufacturers and agricultural investors.
Afeni said unchecked smuggling posed a serious threat to domestic production, noting that the influx of smuggled goods could force local industries to shut down and expose farmers to significant financial losses.
“Every time a bag of rice and other prohibited goods crosses the borders illegally, it deals a direct blow to our domestic industries,” he said.
He explained that the Federal Government and local entrepreneurs had invested billions of naira in efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency, stressing that the Customs Service would continue to protect such investments.
The comptroller described smuggling as economic sabotage that exported jobs, worsened unemployment and undermined national economic development.
He also raised concerns about the safety of smuggled food products, noting that such commodities could be stored for prolonged periods or repackaged under unhygienic conditions, potentially compromising their quality and safety.
“No nation can grow when its borders are treated as gateways for criminality,” Afeni said.
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“This seizure is about protecting the livelihoods of our local farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs, as unchecked smuggling cripples the economy.”
Beyond the rice seizure, the command also intercepted 70 cartons of basmati rice and 30 bags of foreign sugar, each weighing 50 kilogrammes.
Other seized items included 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 3,760 pieces of new tops and bales of second-hand clothing; 11,450 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in kegs; 1,750 litres of PMS in drums; 30 kegs of diesel; 100 bags of fertiliser and 85 fire extinguishers.
The command also seized 480 cartons of Pure Haven drinks, 53 packages of oats, 47 cartons of cosmetics, 36 packages of hair accessories, three packages of surgical shoes and 127 new purses.
Afeni said the total Duty Paid Value of all the seized items stood at N3.574 billion.
He added that the command generated N90.07 million in July from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, PMS and other charges.
The comptroller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing government policies and sustaining operations against smuggling along the nation’s borders.
He urged smugglers to abandon illegal activities and embrace legitimate businesses, warning that the command would continue to seize prohibited goods and impound vehicles used to facilitate smuggling.
Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support in strengthening border security and combating smuggling nationwide.
By PRNigeria
