Customs seizes 13 trucks with N1.2 billion worth of foreign rice and goods

In October, the Nigeria Customs Service made a significant announcement confirming the seizure of a considerable haul comprising 13 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, along with 17 vehicles and various other items, all totaling an estimated value of N1,241,777,700. This revelation came through an official statement disseminated via the Nigerian Customs Service’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on a Wednesday.

The Acting Comptroller of the Unit, Hussein Ejibunu, conveyed this information during a press briefing conducted at the Unit’s Headquarters in Lagos. Ejibunu, while showcasing the seized items, highlighted that the 17 vehicles were intercepted from smugglers attempting to circumvent the law. He emphasized that the Federal Operation Unit Zone ‘A,’ under his jurisdiction, was poised to make the remaining part of the year more challenging for smugglers, all in the best interest of the nation.

The seizures for the month under review were not limited to rice and vehicles. The Customs Service also reported confiscating 14,825 liters of premium motor spirit, 657 pieces of used tires, 202kg of cannabis sativa, 39 bales of second-hand clothing, 100 packs of tomato ketchup, four units of used motorcycles, 100 cartons of used soaps, and 730 sacks of hides & skin. These seizures underscore the multifaceted challenges posed by smuggling activities and the Customs Service’s commitment to curbing illicit trade.

Furthermore, the Acting Comptroller disclosed that nine individuals had been apprehended during anti-smuggling operations. Some of these individuals are currently facing prosecution in various states within the Zone. This signifies a robust and proactive approach by the Customs Service in tackling not only the smuggling itself but also holding the perpetrators accountable through legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, at the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi, reiterated the agency’s commitment to policies supporting intercontinental free trade and ensuring border security. He emphasized the enforcement of the Presidential Directive for the 48-hour clearance of goods at seaports by Executive Order 001, highlighting its potential to enhance the benefits of AfCFTA.

Adeniyi went on to detail additional measures taken by the Customs Service to facilitate trade and support export development. This includes redefining performance measures for key government agencies to emphasize trade facilitation and the implementation of the National Single Window trading platform. Additionally, a comprehensive transformational program was launched to bolster export development, signaling the agency’s proactive stance in adapting to evolving trade dynamics.

This comprehensive and multifaceted approach by the Nigeria Customs Service reflects its dedication to not only enforcing the law and securing borders but also actively contributing to the facilitation of legitimate trade and export activities. The seizures made in October and the subsequent actions taken against smugglers send a strong message about the Customs Service’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and protect the nation’s economic interests.