Allegations have emerged linking certain operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to the ongoing smuggling of foreign rice into Lagos through the Badagry waterways.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the contraband rice, which originates from neighbouring Benin Republic, is often brought in through various smuggling points around Badagry, including the Marina Customs base, Iya Afin, and Erekiti communities.
Multiple sources within the rice distribution trade, who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisals, disclosed that corrupt Customs officials routinely collect bribes from smugglers, effectively aiding the illegal activity.
According to one of the informants, boats loaded with between 120 to 150 bags of parboiled rice are allowed to pass unchecked after paying as much as ₦250,000 per trip to compromised Customs personnel stationed at these entry points.
“There are lots of rice smuggling going on from Cotonou into Nigeria and the Customs is aware; yet they are doing nothing about it,” one rice dealer told DDM’s correspondent.
He revealed that despite the blatant illegality, the officials responsible for monitoring the nation’s borders have allegedly become complicit, prioritizing bribe collection over national security or economic protection.
Videos and photos obtained by SaharaReporters further exposed this trend, showing boats ferrying large quantities of rice into Nigerian territory unchallenged.
Another source lamented that these actions continue even in full view of a Customs patrol boat often stationed nearby, suggesting official indifference or direct collaboration.
“If we who sell local rice face this issue, how are we expected to survive?” a local rice vendor asked, pleading for government intervention.
“The government says they are not aware, but the smuggling is happening in broad daylight. Just go to places like Sango in Lagos, you’ll find the Cotonou rice everywhere.”
Efforts to get a response from the Nigeria Customs Service have been unfruitful.
As of press time, the Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, had not responded to phone calls or text messages seeking clarification on the accusations.
Rice smuggling into Nigeria has long been a thorn in the side of the country’s agricultural policy.
Despite a government ban on the importation of rice through land borders and increasing efforts to encourage local production, foreign rice continues to flood Nigerian markets through illicit channels.
In April 2025, the Nigerian Navy made a significant seizure of 1,306 bags of smuggled parboiled rice during an anti-smuggling operation in Majidun, Ikorodu West Local Government Area of Lagos.
The operation, carried out by the maritime component of Operation AWATSE, was led by Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, the base’s Information Officer, the Navy revealed that the seizure was made during a routine patrol on April 12.
The intercepted consignment was reportedly being moved in vehicles that attempted to bypass a security checkpoint, triggering a rapid response from the Navy’s Quick Response Team in line with their standard rules of engagement.
This recent surge in rice smuggling into Lagos raises questions about the effectiveness of border enforcement and the commitment of security agencies to stem economic sabotage.
The situation also underlines the broader economic impact of smuggling on Nigeria’s efforts to attain food security and promote local agricultural investment.
Stakeholders continue to call on the federal government to address internal corruption within border enforcement agencies and implement stricter surveillance of Nigeria’s porous borders.
Until then, the illegal importation of contraband goods, especially rice, may persist, fuelled by corruption and administrative neglect.
🚨 Follow DDM WhatsApp channel Now! 🚨
Get breaking news, hot gist, and updates FIRST!
📲 Click to join 👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vajkwdc4dTnFHl19vW3g
Don’t be the last to know! 🔥
