Land Border Rice Importation Still Illegal – Customs Service

Land Border Rice Importation Still Illegal – Customs Service

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated that the federal government’s ban on rice importation via land borders is still in effect, despite recent updates to fiscal policies concerning food imports. Comptroller-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, made this clear during an inspection at the Apapa port in Lagos, emphasizing that while brown rice and paddy rice are now allowed to be imported duty-free under new guidelines, this does not extend to rice entering through land borders.

Adeniyi stated, “The new fiscal measures do not permit rice to be brought in through land borders. The only modification is that brown rice or rice paddy will now be allowed duty-free.” He further clarified that the importation of rice through seaports, especially in smaller quantities by those with access to foreign exchange, remains legal under the new guidelines and does not fall under the import prohibition.

The NCS is committed to enforcing this policy at all land borders, in line with Nigeria’s broader goals of boosting local production and ensuring food security. Periodic inspections have revealed that rice imports at the port are typically in smaller packages, which are permitted under the current regulations.

This move underscores the government’s focus on supporting local agriculture while managing the importation of essential goods through regulated channels. The Customs Service continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s borders and ensuring compliance with trade policies.