Customs: Smuggling Threatens Jobs, Public Health, Economy

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has warned that smuggling is undermining Nigeria’s economy, threatening jobs and exposing the public to health risks.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Oladapo Afeni, gave the warning during a press briefing in Ogun State, stressing that sustained enforcement and inter agency collaboration are needed to protect local industries and livelihoods.

Afeni said patronage of smuggled agricultural products weakens local production, worsens unemployment and undermines Nigeria’s drive towards self sufficiency.

He disclosed that the Command recently seized various items, including 39 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 6,035 parcels of Ghana Loud/Indica cannabis, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 2,674 pieces of new shorts and trousers, and 100 bags of fertiliser.

The seized goods have a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦3.57 billion.

The cannabis was handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further action, with the agency pledging to strengthen collaboration with Customs to disrupt drug trafficking.