Customs FOU Zone A seizes foreign rice and merchandise valued at N854.2 million

The Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, located in Ikeja, Lagos, announced on Tuesday that it confiscated rice and other prohibited items worth N854.2 million in January 2024.

Hussain Ejibunu, the Controller of the Zone, disclosed that the unit seized a total of 60 items, including foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 6.5 trailer loads), 23,025 liters of PMS, 241 bales of used clothes, Indian hemp, cartons of foreign tomato paste, used tires, Haojuo motorcycles, cartons of slippers, and used vehicles.

Ejibunu explained that these goods were found to violate various sections of the Customs Act (2023), either because they had expired upon importation or they had not adhered to the statutory import guidelines.

Furthermore, he stated that ten suspects were apprehended in connection with some of the seized goods, resulting in the generation of N83.14 million in revenue through documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on underpaid consignments.

Highlighting the detrimental effects of smuggling, Ejibunu emphasized its negative impact on the economy, environment, health, and security. He underscored the importance of collaboration and strong partnerships with other stakeholders to combat smuggling through the sharing of information and intelligence.

Ejibunu urged the public to understand the consequences of smuggling and to support enforcement and regulatory agencies in efforts to tackle this menace.