NCS Seizes 2,339 Bags Of Foreign Rice Worth N211.1m In Ogun

By Victoria Isaac

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, has seized 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at N211.1 million in its continued enforcement against smuggling across the state.

The Area Comptroller, Mr Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference in Idiroko, Ogun State, where he said the seizure was part of the Command’s sustained efforts to protect local farmers and agricultural investors from the damaging effects of smuggling.

Afeni warned that unchecked smuggling was undermining local production, forcing some mills to close and exposing farmers to financial losses.

*Some of the 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice seized by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, on Friday in Idiroko

“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.

The Comptroller said the government and local entrepreneurs had invested billions of naira toward achieving food self-sufficiency, stressing that the Command would continue to protect local farmers and agricultural investors in the state.

He described smuggling as economic sabotage, noting that it exports jobs, worsens unemployment and undermines Nigeria’s economic development.

Afeni also raised concerns about the safety of smuggled rice, warning that prolonged storage or repackaging under unhygienic conditions could compromise the quality of the product and potentially compromise consumer safety.

“No nation can grow when its borders are treated as gateways for criminality.”

“This seizure is about protecting the livelihoods of our local farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs, as unchecked smuggling cripples the economy,” he said.

Beyond the rice seizure, the Command also intercepted 70 cartons of basmati rice and 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 50kg each, among other prohibited goods.

Afeni listed the other seizures as 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.

Also seized were 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.

According to Afeni, the seized goods had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.574 billion.

He further disclosed that the Command generated N90.07 million in July through baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges.

The Comptroller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining enforcement against smuggling and implementing Federal Government policies, while urging those involved in the illicit trade to embrace legitimate businesses.

He warned that the Command would continue to seize prohibited goods and impound vehicles used to facilitate smuggling.

Afeni also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support in strengthening border security and combating smuggling.