Customs Seize 908 Million Naira in Rice Smuggling in Q1

…Rice smuggling can’t end overnight—SEREC

By Efe Onodjae

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported that it seized 15,212 bags of smuggled rice, valued at more than N907.78 million, during the first quarter of 2026.

Data obtained by Vanguard from the Enforcement Investigation and Inspection Department, Enforcement Return and Statistics Unit of the Customs Service shows that 286 rice seizure cases were recorded between January and March 2026.

During the same period, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures reached N1.38 billion.

Monthly seizure figures varied, with February registering the highest volume.

In January, Customs seized 4,027 bags of smuggled rice from 64 interception cases. The Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) value of the seized rice was N244.77 million, with duty payable amounting to N97.82 million. The DPV for the month was estimated at N342.58 million.

February saw a 56.5 percent month‑on‑month increase, with 6,301 bags seized from 127 cases. The CIF value rose to N360.11 million, duty payable reached N200.69 million, and the DPV climbed to N560.80 million.

In March, the volume of seizures fell by 29 percent to 4,884 bags from 95 cases. The CIF value for the month was N302.91 million, duty payable was N169.30 million, and the DPV stood at N472.21 million.

Speaking to Vanguard, Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), said that rice smuggling in Nigeria cannot be eradicated overnight because of economic realities and rising food demand.

He explained that, despite government restrictions and tariffs on rice imports, neighbouring countries continue to trade rice into Nigeria, and smugglers exploit border routes to bring the grain into the country.

Nweke noted that local rice production has not yet met national demand, making it difficult to eliminate smuggling entirely.

"You can only try to reduce or suppress it. Customs cannot completely eradicate rice smuggling because it is an international issue," he said.

He urged the Federal Government to review its rice importation policies and to sustain long‑term investment in local rice farming to reduce dependence on imports.

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