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How Customs averted Rice Smuggled Worth N939m in Q1 – CG Adeniyi
Smuggled rice once again led the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seizure charts in the first quarter of 2025, with over 135,000 bags intercepted across the country, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Adeniyi said the service recorded 159 rice-related seizures, amounting to 135,474 bags valued at a staggering N939 million—making rice the most smuggled item within the period under review.
Close behind were 61 cases involving petroleum products, totaling 65,819 litres and valued at N43 million. “These figures reflect the persistent challenges we face in curbing smuggling, particularly of high-demand commodities,” the CGC noted.
More concerning, however, were the 22 seizures of narcotics, valued at N730 million, indicating a growing trend in drug trafficking. The Customs boss also pointed to three separate interceptions of illegal wildlife products worth N5.6 billion—underscoring both the profitability of environmental crimes and the agency’s expanded focus on wildlife protection.
Other seizures within the quarter included:
13 cases of imported textile fabrics worth N134 million
Five incidents involving retreaded tires valued at N104 million
One case of pharmaceuticals valued at N17.1 million
“These operations go beyond routine inspections. They demonstrate our strategic shift toward intelligence-led, technology-driven enforcement,” Adeniyi explained.
He added that the Customs Service has continued modernizing its operations, including expanding the rollout of its homegrown clearance platform, B’Odogwu, to more commands—enhancing processing times and stakeholder service delivery.
Additionally, February marked the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, a globally recognized initiative aimed at rewarding compliant businesses with faster processing and reduced inspections.
While hailing the achievements, Adeniyi stressed that smugglers are also evolving. “Our response must be dynamic—rooted in innovation, collaboration, and consistent investment in surveillance and intelligence,” he said.
The Customs Service, he affirmed, remains resolute in protecting Nigeria’s economic and environmental security.
