The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Hameed Ali at a joint news conference on illegal rice importation into Nigeria Tuesday in Abuja, said 99% of rice smuggled through the land borders into the country are not fit for human consumption.
He said samples of some of the rice seizures made over a period were referred to NAFDAC to ascertain their condition.
He said samples of some of the rice seizures made over a period were referred to NAFDAC to ascertain their condition.
He said the test reports certified that smuggled rice through the borders was unfit for human consumption and so Nigerians should desist from it.
He said: “Importation of rice into the country is not banned but restricted on the point of entry to seaports only.
`We remain firm in our resolve to enforce the restriction of rice imports only to our seaports.
“We have re-organised our anti-smuggling patrols to provide additional capability and bite,’’
“We have seen rice conveyed in open wooden canoes across our creeks and water ways with generous amount of dirty waters splashing on them.
“We have seen some mixed with other grains bags to deceive customs; some are stuffed inside any available crevice and compartments of vehicles, including the engine area.
“The concealed rice is thereafter re-bagged half cooked and presented in our markets for sale as imported rice.
“Bags of rice meant for Nigerians’ consumption (are) being conveyed in coffins inside make shift ambulance vehicles.
“Often time, importers in the borders have to wait for months for the green light from corrupt customs officials before they gamble their ways across the borders.
“Rice being a perishable product, lose valuable shelve life in non conductive strong conditions.
“We have strong evidence linking some reputable importers to cases of re-bagging expired rice to prolong their shelve life,’’.
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