The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, has seized 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice valued at N211.1 million.

The Area Comptroller, Olukayode Afeni, disclosed this at a news conference on Friday in Idiroko, Ogun.

Mr Afeni said the seizures were part of the command’s sustained efforts to combat smuggling and protect local farmers and agricultural investors.

He said unchecked smuggling undermined local production, forced mills to close and left farmers vulnerable to financial losses.

”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 to achieve food self-sufficiency, vowing to protect local farmers and agricultural investors in the state.

He described smuggling as economic sabotage that exported jobs, worsened unemployment and undermined Nigeria’s economic development.

Mr Afeni also warned that smuggled rice could be stored for prolonged periods or repackaged under unhygienic conditions, potentially compromising its 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.

The customs officer said the command also recorded other seizures, including 70 cartons of basmati rice and 30 bags of foreign sugar weighing 50kg each.

“Others include 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 in kegs, 1,750 litres 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,” he said.

Mr Afeni said the total duty paid value (DVP) of the seized goods stood at N3.574 billion.

He further said the command generated N90.07 million from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable items, PMS and other charges in July.

The comptroller reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining enforcement against smuggling and implementing federal government policies.

He urged smugglers to engage in legitimate business, warning that the command would continue to seize prohibited goods and impound vehicles used for smuggling.

Mr Afeni commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support in securing Nigeria’s borders and combating smuggling.

(NAN)