The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has
debunked reports that it has lifted the ban on
rice importation through land borders.
The NCS said the story was the handiwork of a
cabal bent on sustaining the importation of rice
through the country’s land borders.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of
the NCS, Wale Adeniyi, said the interview
attributed to him as the source of the story was
granted in 2015.
The statement reads in full:
“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 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.