The Zone ‘B” Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized two trucks bound for Niger Republic carrying grains, as reported by PREMIUM TIMES.
Over the past few days, NCS officials intercepted grain shipments destined for Niger Republic in Katsina, Sokoto, Kano, and Jigawa states.
According to a service intelligence report, the two trucks were intercepted on Thursday around 1 pm by the Kebbi and Kangiwa/Argungu Natsini “FOU roving team.”
ALSO READ: Worsening Hardship Nationwide Pushes GDP Growth To 2.74%
The intercepted grains, including maize, millet, and beans, were transported to Customs House in Kebbi.
A memo seen by PREMIUM TIMES indicated that the FOU Zone ‘B’ Kaduna deployed additional officers to ensure strict enforcement of border closures and prevent movement of goods or people across borders.
Following a coup in Niger Republic in 2023, Nigeria imposed sanctions including border closure and electricity supply cut, leading to heightened security measures along the borders, particularly in the North.
The Customs Service aims to curb the outflow of grains, which exacerbates Nigeria’s economic challenges amid inflation and removal of fuel subsidy.
In recent interceptions, 15 trucks of grain were seized in Sokoto, 50 in Zamfara, and four in Kano states.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has initiated the sale of seized rice at N10,000 per 25kg bag to alleviate food scarcity and support the economy.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently reduced the exchange rate for computing Customs duties to N1,488, providing relief to importers facing high duty rates and ultimately, lowering prices for consumers.
