Customs Impounds ₦1.21 Billion Expired Flour, Cracks Down On Smuggling At Seme Border

By Roland Ekama

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, has confiscated five trucks laden 10,000 bags of expired flour from Egypt valued at over ₦1.21 billion during a joint operation with National Agency for Food , Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

This operation was part of the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect public health and economic stability.

The expired flour posed serious health risks including infections and food poisoning, and was recognized as undermining local industries and consumer trust.

At the maiden media briefing held on October 9, 2025, the Customs Area Controller, Wale Adenuga, who outlined the operational activities from September 1 to October 9, 2025, stated that in addition to the flour, the Command seized 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 120 packs of tramadol 120mg (with suspects handed over to NDLEA), 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and five used vehicles.

He said “The health risks associated with consuming such expired products could have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.

“Beyond health implications, such unwholesome goods undermine local industries and erode consumer trust “, he noted .

The total Duty-Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures during the period was approximately ₦2 billion.

The briefing highlighted the Seme Command’s commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Revenue collection increased significantly, with over ₦1.5 billion generated in September 2025, a 182% rise from August.

The Command also facilitated exports valued at nearly ₦8 billion and engaged in strong inter-agency collaboration and stakeholder dialogue to reduce trade barriers along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

Comptroller Adenuga commended security agencies, especially the Nigerian Navy, for their support in intercepting smuggled goods and reaffirmed the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on smuggling.

The Nigeria Customs Service continues to prioritize modernization, transparency, and cooperation to ensure the Seme border remains a secure and prosperous gateway for legitimate trade.