At least 6000 bags of rice smuggled into the country have been confiscated as the Republic of Niger has banned the re-exportation of rice from the country.
The special task force set up by the federal government for the enforcement of the temporary closure of the country’s borders seized the items from smugglers.
The Nigerian government had about three weeks ago closed some of its borders to prevent bringing of banned goods into the country
President Muhammadu Buhari at the economic summit on Africa held in Japan said the action was taken to prevent importation of rice into the country through the borders.
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However, following the development, the government of Niger Republic has also prohibited re-exportation of rice.
In a circular to all Customs formations and relevant government agencies in Niger a copy of which was obtained by PRNigeria, the government said the ban took effect from September 05, 2019.
According to the circular number no. 000028/DGD/DRRI/8 dated 05 September 2019 and signed by the director-general, customs service in the ministry of finance in Niamey, Oumarou Amadou, all relevant agencies are to comply strictly or face severe sanctions.
Nigeria had recently closed its borders against some neighbouring countries in its bid to stop the smuggling of imported white and parboiled rice to encourage local production.
The federal government later set up a task force consisting of members of both military and paramilitary agencies and coordinated by the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to enforce compliance.
The coordinator of joint security taskforce on exercise swift response, Brigadier General Emmanuel Ndagi, has commenced on the spot assessment on the implementation and compliance of the operation.
The task force which has been working for over two weeks was said to have seized more than 6000 bags of rice with smugglers said to be groaning as their illicit trades were being hampered by the exercise.
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