The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has raised concerns about the smuggling of goods, particularly rice, which it says is destabilizing the economy and worsening the forex crisis.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the Customs Area Comptroller, Kola Oladeji, showcased several seized bags of foreign parboiled rice intercepted within the last 24 hours along the South-West borders. Oladeji highlighted the need to curtail rice smuggling to protect local production and stabilize the naira.
“Smugglers don’t pay taxes. These prohibited items undermine our local rice millers and economy,” he said.
He revealed that the seized rice was transported in smaller vehicles to evade detection. However, Customs officers tracked the contraband over time and intercepted the goods during an operation that involved hiring trucks to transport the confiscated items.
In total, nine lorries, six buses, and 11 modified vehicles used for smuggling were seized. Oladeji noted that the vehicles were abandoned by smugglers who fled upon sighting Customs officers.
“Our extensive land borders with the Benin Republic make monitoring challenging, as smugglers often use bush paths,” he explained.
The Comptroller also commended the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies for their support in securing the seizures and ensuring successful operations.
“This collaboration is crucial to achieving our goals,” he added.
