Rice imports remain banned through the land borders – Customs

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) said on Sunday that it effect a total ban on the importation of rice into the country by 2017. 

The disclosure was made in Abuja just as the Service denied reports circulating posting in the online media that the Customs had lifted the ban on importation of rice into the country. 

Deputy Controller, Wale Adeniyi who made the disclosure, explained that rice importation through land borders remained banned and prohibited warning that those especially smugglers caught violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted.

He however said those coming into the country legitimately through the seaports where proper duties and extant charges are paid will continue through the end of 2016. 

Adeniyi attributed the circulation of wrong information on the true situation of the commodity to the activities and ploy of a cabal engaged in rice smuggling and recycling, to confuse the public and set it against the federal government. 

The NCS through a statement by Adeniyi, Public Relations Officer said, “Our attention has been drawn to publications on various online platforms indicating that the Nigeria Customs Service has reversed the ban on Rice importation through the land borders. 

“These reports were attributed to a press interview purportedly granted by the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy-Comptroller Wale Adeniyi. “It has become necessary to re-state the true position in view of the confusion which these online publications may create in the industry. 

“It is even more expedient to provide this clarification given that the fact that the Service has taken a firm position earlier in the week through a joint press conference with Stakeholders. “First, we like to reiterate the position that importation of Rice remains banned through our Land Borders, and we have the commitment of Partner Government Agencies and Stakeholders to enforce this restriction. 





Read More >>>