Ban on rice imports across land borders lifted

The Nigeria Customs Service has removed the ban on rice imports and re-introduced import duty payment at land borders on rice importation

Public relations officer of Customs, Mr Wale Adeniyi, on Wednesday said that all rice imports through land borders by rice traders would attract the prevailing import duty of 10 per cent, with 60 per cent levy.

”Over the years, importation has been restricted to the seaports because border authorities have found it difficult to effectively monitor and control importation of rice. When the decision to ban it (rice) was taken, it was not an effective measure because the smuggling of the product thrives with people using different means of conveyance, including small trucks, bicycles and even animals – putting them on donkeys and some actually carry it on their heads.

“These new measures will be for Customs to recognise their anti-smuggling operations in the border areas and ensure that all those importers through the borders bring their rice through approved routes and pay their extant duty.“

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