The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, has raised concerns about the adverse effects of rice smuggling on the country’s economy, particularly in fueling the ongoing foreign exchange crisis.
Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Comptroller, highlighted the issue while presenting seized bags of foreign parboiled rice to journalists on Monday. He emphasized that smuggling undermines the economy and threatens the stability of the naira against the dollar.
“These are the results of just 24 hours of searches,” Oladeji stated. “It is affecting our economy and hindering the success of local rice producers.”
He called for an end to rice smuggling, urging that it disrupts local rice millers and contributes to revenue loss, as smugglers evade taxes and regulations.
Oladeji explained that the seized contraband had been tracked for some time before being intercepted in the South-West borders. He added that smugglers attempted to evade detection by abandoning their vehicles upon spotting Customs officers. The operation resulted in the confiscation of nine lorries, six buses, and 11 vehicles, all loaded with rice.
He also acknowledged the crucial support of the Nigerian Army in securing these seizures.
Oladeji urged continued vigilance and cooperation to prevent further smuggling and protect local businesses and the nation’s economic stability.
