Bayo Akomolafe 
There is move by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to block 2.2 million tonnes of foreign parboiled rice valued at at N2.09 trillion ($1.30 billion) from entering into the country.
The commodities are being imported into neighbouring countries for smuggling into Nigerian markets through land borders and creeks. According to NCS, the planned massive smuggling is bound for the Nigeria market from the neighbouring ports in Lome and Cotonou.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said that 7,155 bags of 50kg had been seized out of the stockpiled rice by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A in Lagos. It was revealed that Nigeria had been a market for smuggled parboiled rice from Asian countries, especially Thailand and India.
Also, importers are making use of neighbouring countries’ ports due to strict government policy on importation of foreign rice as import duty on the grain was increased from 50 per cent in 2012 to 110 per cent in January 2013 to discourage importation and encourage local production.
Also, Adeniyi said that 3,235 bags of the shipment were recently confiscated along Erekiti waterside, Seme road and Ogun State border areas. According to him, “we have seized a total of 7,155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice.
Of these, 3,235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road and Ogun state border area. “These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new strategies and the dedication of out officers.
“However, they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threats we face. To those who persist in these nefarious activities, I issue this stern warning that NCS, in collaboration with other security agencies, is more determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon you.
“We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capabilities, upgrading our technological infrastructure and strengthening our partnerships both domestically and internationally.
“Your days of operating with impunity are numbered. To our law abiding citizens and legitimate traders, we assure you of our commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting our economy.
“We are here to serve you and to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all.” Meanwhile, findings from Index Mundi, a global trade portal, explained that 2.2 million tonnes of rice have been ordered for Nigerian market by importers.
Besides freight cost, it was also revealed by the Thai Rice Exporters Association (TREA)that the price of parboiled rice has been increased from $501 per tonne to $593 per tonne in September 31, 2024.
Recalled that the Deputy Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Shakin Agbayewa had noted that local rice production could only meet 57 per cent of the 6.5 million tonnes consumption.
He noted that rice sellers were repackaging local rice into foreign bags to sell at a higher price, adding that a situation where home based rice is repacked as foreign was not good for the country as domestic production slumped by 37.4 per cent or 3.1 million tonnes from 8.3 million tonnes to 5.2 million tonnes within two years because of the activities of bandits in the country.
Also , the Lagos State Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Raphael Hunsa, stressed the need to boost local rice production, saying the country needs more people in rice production.
Hunsa said: “We need to encourage more people, especially youths, to be engaged in rice cultivation.Presently, local rice is not available to meet the growing demands.
The Lagos State rice mill at Imota, which can produce 33,000 metric tonnes of rice per hour is set up for the benefit of Lagos residents.
“However, as we speak, the mill does not have enough rice paddy to kick off operations. Whereas the rice farmers in Lagos State need support to cultivate rice without dependence on outside state sources, we need increased support to also attract more rice farmers into the sector and to encourage existing farmers.”
