The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, has raised concerns about the impact of smuggling, particularly rice, on the economy and its contribution to the ongoing forex crisis. Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of FOU A, made this statement while showcasing some seized bags of foreign parboiled rice to journalists on Monday.
Oladeji did not specify the exact quantity or value of the seized rice but confirmed that the products were intercepted within the past 24 hours at the South West borders. He explained that a physical count would be conducted to determine the precise number and value of the seized goods following the press briefing.
“These activities represent just the last 24 hours of our operations. Smuggling is harming our economy and destabilizing the naira’s exchange rate against the dollar. We have local rice production that should be supported,” Oladeji stated.
He emphasized the importance of curbing rice smuggling to allow local rice millers to thrive, noting that smugglers evade taxes and bring in prohibited goods that are not meant for the country.
Oladeji further explained that the contraband had been under surveillance for some time before being intercepted on Monday. The goods were initially packed in smaller vehicles, but upon sighting the Customs officers, the smugglers fled and abandoned the vehicles. Despite this, the Customs Service focused on intercepting the smuggled items, using trucks and operational vehicles to transport them to the command.
In the operation, the unit intercepted nine lorries, six buses, and 11 other vehicles carrying bags of rice. Oladeji also mentioned that due to the country’s extensive land borders with Benin Republic, some of the smuggled items enter through bush paths.
He acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Army, which assists the Customs Service whenever needed in such operations.
