Customs Intercepts 15,000 Bags of Smuggled Rice

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its crackdown on rice smuggling, recording the seizure of more than 15,000 bags of illegally imported rice within the first quarter of 2026.

According to official figures released by the agency, Customs intercepted a total of 15,212 bags of smuggled rice between January and March 2026. The seized items were valued at over ₦907.78 million, while the total Duty Paid Value was estimated at ₦1.38 billion across 286 separate operations nationwide.

A breakdown of the statistics showed that January recorded 64 seizure cases involving 4,027 bags of rice valued at ₦244.77 million.

The anti-smuggling operations intensified in February, which emerged as the peak period for interceptions. During the month, Customs officials seized 6,301 bags from 127 cases, representing a 56 percent increase compared to January. The Duty Paid Value for February alone stood at ₦560.80 million.

However, the figures dropped slightly in March, with authorities intercepting 4,884 bags of rice from 95 cases. The seized products during the month were valued at ₦302.91 million.

Industry stakeholders say the latest figures highlight the continuing challenge of rice smuggling in Nigeria despite stricter border enforcement measures.

Speaking on the development, Eugene Nweke, Head of Research at the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), noted that the fight against rice smuggling remains difficult because of Nigeria’s economic realities and increasing food demand.

According to him, neighbouring countries continue to benefit from the trade due to Nigeria’s import restrictions and high tariffs, while smugglers take advantage of porous borders to move products into the country.

Nweke explained that local rice production has not yet reached a level capable of meeting the nation’s consumption demands, making total eradication of smuggling unrealistic for now.

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

He also urged the Federal Government to review existing rice importation policies while sustaining long-term investments in local rice farming to reduce dependence on foreign supplies.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has assured Nigerians that enforcement operations will continue across border communities and smuggling routes, with increased surveillance and prosecution of offenders expected to remain a priority.

Analysts believe that while the rising number of seizures demonstrates the agency’s vigilance, the long-term solution lies in improving local rice production and addressing the economic conditions that encourage smuggling activities.

The development once again highlights the delicate balance between food security, trade policy, and border enforcement in Nigeria, especially as rice remains one of the country’s most consumed staple foods.