Ogun Customs Seizes N3.57bn Contraband in Six Weeks
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted various prohibited goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3.57 billion within six weeks.
The Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday while presenting the seizures made by the Command. The intercepted items include 2,339 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 70 cartons of basmati rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica, 11,450 litres of PMS, 30 kegs of diesel and 100 bags of fertiliser, among other goods.
Afeni expressed concern over the continued smuggling of agricultural products, warning that the practice undermines local farmers, weakens domestic industries and threatens the country’s efforts towards food self-sufficiency.
He stressed that smuggling should not be viewed merely as a commercial activity or means of livelihood, noting that the influx of prohibited foreign goods negatively impacts employment, local production and economic growth.
According to him, purchasing smuggled agricultural products instead of locally produced alternatives contributes to the loss of jobs and worsens unemployment and poverty. He also raised concerns about the conditions under which some smuggled food products are stored or repackaged, potentially posing health risks to consumers.
Afeni further stated that the seizures were not only about enforcing import restrictions but also about protecting the livelihoods of Nigerian farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs. He urged Nigerians to support locally produced goods and discourage activities that undermine domestic industries.
Among the items displayed by the Command were 30 bags of foreign sugar, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, 1,750 litres of PMS in drums, 67 bales of second-hand clothing, 3,760 pieces of new tops, 85 fire extinguishers, 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, among others.
The Command placed the total DPV of the seized goods at ₦3,574,435,248.08.
Afeni also highlighted the dangers associated with the smuggling and trafficking of illicit drugs, particularly Ghana Loud, warning that the trade fuels addiction, violent crime and other criminal activities.
He emphasised the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking and other cross-border crimes, noting that no single security or enforcement agency can effectively address the challenges alone.
As part of the collaboration, the Ogun 1 Command formally handed over the seized illicit drugs to the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
