The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border Command revealed on Thursday the seizure of five trucks carrying expired flour bags smuggled into Nigeria from Egypt.
At a press conference held at the Command’s Lagos headquarters, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Adewale Adenuga showcased the confiscated expired flour, valued at N1.2 billion, which was intercepted before entering the country.
Comptroller Adenuga highlighted the significant health dangers posed by consuming expired flour, warning that it could result in serious infections, food poisoning, and long-lasting health issues for Nigerian consumers.
He further disclosed that the command also seized 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 120 packs of 120mg tramadol, 2,043 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of used clothing, 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup containing Codeine, and five second-hand vehicles during the same period.
“The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all confiscated items amounts to N1.99 billion. These seizures were made possible through reliable intelligence and robust collaboration with other agencies, including a joint operation with NAFDAC that led to the interception of 10,000 bags of expired flour from Egypt, valued at N1.21 billion,” Adenuga stated.
He emphasized that beyond the nigeria-menstrual-health-crisis-stigma/” title=”Shattering the Silence: Expert Uncovers How Stigma and Cultural Taboos Deepen …'s Menstrual Health Crisis”>health hazards, the influx of such substandard goods undermines local manufacturers and diminishes consumer confidence in the market.
“The 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa intercepted underscore the ongoing threat these substances pose to the wellbeing and mental health of our youth,” he added.
In addition, the Customs chief reported that the Seme-Krake border command generated an impressive N1.5 billion in revenue from legally imported cargo in August 2025.
He noted a remarkable 182% increase in import duties collected in September 2025 compared to August 2024, with revenue rising from N531.4 million in August 2025 to N1.5 billion in September 2025.
“This exceptional growth reflects the success of the Comptroller-General’s reform initiatives, which focus on compliance, transparency, and data-driven monitoring of imports, supported by the commitment of our officers who embody the vision of a modern, efficient, and accountable Customs Service,” Adenuga explained.
“Our operational stance is clear: smuggling is a form of economic sabotage that deprives the nation of crucial revenue and jeopardizes public health. Along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, diverting resources into illicit trade is a massive loss; these resources would be better invested in legitimate enterprises that empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and generate employment.”
He also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their vital role in combating smuggling in the region. The NN Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Badagry has been instrumental in intercepting and handing over foreign parboiled rice seized from waterways and surrounding areas, demonstrating strong partnership in this fight.
Furthermore, the Command organized two significant stakeholder meetings from October 6-7, 2025. The first brought together security agency leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders along the Seme-Krake corridor to address issues such as excessive checkpoints, extortion, and other barriers to trade.
“All agencies pledged to eliminate unnecessary checkpoints and facilitate the smooth movement of legitimate goods and people without compromising national security,” Adenuga said. The second meeting involved Customs officials from Benin Republic, business leaders, and licensed Customs agents from both countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation.
