Rice remained ban - Nigerian Customs

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) said on
Sunday that it effect a total ban on the
importation of rice into the country by
2017.
The disclosure was made in Abuja just as the
Service denied reports circulating posting in
the online media that the Customs had
lifted the ban on importation of rice into the
country.
Deputy Controller, Wale Adeniyi who made
the disclosure, explained that rice
importation through land borders remained
banned and prohibited warning that those
especially smugglers caught violating the
law will be arrested and prosecuted.
He however said those coming into the
country legitimately through the seaports
where proper duties and extant charges are
paid will continue through the end of 2016.
Adeniyi attributed the circulation of wrong
information on the true situation of the
commodity to the activities and ploy of a
cabal engaged in rice smuggling and
recycling, to confuse the public and set it
against the federal government.
The NCS through a statement by Adeniyi,
Public Relations Officer said, “Our attention
has been drawn to publications on various
online platforms indicating that the Nigeria
Customs Service has reversed the ban on Rice
importation through the land borders.
“These reports were attributed to a press
interview purportedly granted by the Service
Public Relations Officer, Deputy-Comptroller
Wale Adeniyi.
“It has become necessary to re-state the
true position in view of the confusion which
these online publications may create in the
industry.
“It is even more expedient to provide this
clarification given that the fact that the
Service has taken a firm position earlier in
the week through a joint press conference
with Stakeholders.
“First, we like to reiterate the position that
importation of Rice remains banned through
our Land Borders, and we have the
commitment of Partner Government Agencies
and Stakeholders to enforce this restriction.
“While this restriction is in force, Rice
imports through the Ports are still allowed
subject to payment of extant charges.
Continuing Adeniyi said, “It is equally
important to restate the confidence of the
Nigeria Customs Service in the ability of
Nigerian Rice Producers to fill the existing
sufficiency gaps in the supply of the
product.
“The Service has noted with satisfaction the
ongoing Rice Revolution undertaken by many
State Governments, and Strategic
Interventions by Federal Government
Agencies.
“The Service is convinced that the bumper
harvests expected from these efforts will
address the supply gap in 2017.
“It is our belief that continuous waste of
scarce forex on a commodity that can be
produced locally makes no economic sense,
most especially at a period of recession.
“The Service will therefore advocate a total
Ban on Rice Importation into Nigeria with
effect from 2017.
“It is worrisome that the publications that
resurfaced this weekend were being
attributed to a Press interview granted in
October 2015.
“We strongly suspect that some powerful
forces behind Rice Smuggling are at work,
recycling an old report under a different
circumstance to create confusion.
“We urge Nigerians to watch out for similar
antics as the firm stand on Rice smuggling
will pitch their selfish interest against our
national interest.