Rice Was The Most Seized Commodity In Q1 – Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service seized 135,474 bags of rice worth N939m in 159 cases during Q1 2025, making rice the most confiscated item. Petroleum products followed, with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 litres valued at N43m, according to Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi.

“Rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at N939m. Petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 liters valued at N43m,” Adeniyi said.

Adeniyi also highlighted 22 narcotics seizures worth N730m in Q1 2025, underscoring the Customs Service’s increased efforts to fight drug trafficking.

“The service also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable N5.6bn value, underscoring both the lucrative nature of this illegal trade and our commitment to environmental protection under international conventions,” he said.

The CGC added that other notable seizures included 13 cases of textile fabrics valued at N134m,

“five cases of retreaded tires valued at N104m, and pharmaceuticals, one case valued at N17.1m. These comprehensive results demonstrate the service’s vigilance across all categories of prohibited and restricted goods.”

He emphasized that the pattern of seizures reflects key strategic priorities, with a focus on high-volume items like rice and petroleum products, aided by improved border surveillance.

“Specialized operations targeting high-value wildlife trafficking, building on existing collaborations with UNODC and other international partners, sustained focus on dangerous narcotics and pharmaceutical smuggling, implementation of advanced non-intrusive inspection technology to improve detection rates,” he said.

Adeniyi highlighted that the seizures, ranging from rice to wildlife, demonstrate the NCS’s targeted approach in tackling smuggling. He emphasized the service’s commitment to refining its enforcement strategies, utilizing intelligence-driven operations, technological advancements, and strengthening interagency cooperation to safeguard national revenue and security.

He also pointed out significant milestones in the service’s modernization, including the expansion of the B’Odogwu customs clearance platform, which has improved operational efficiency and service delivery.

The CGC explained that in February, the service officially launched the Authorized Economic Operators Programme,

“a World Customs Organization-endorsed initiative that recognises businesses with strong compliance records and security standards. This program provides benefits such as expedited clearance, reduced inspections, and enhanced predictability in customs procedures for qualifying operators.”