Customs raid triggers panic over hike in price of rice

Ongoing clampdown by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on illegal rice importation in the country may have triggered possible fresh hike in the price of the product.

Market indicators revealed on Saturday that traders in major markets across the country might induce possible rise in price by creating an artificial scarcity.

The NCS has already declared a sustained clampdown on traders having such imported rice, regardless of where they might be in the country.

The agency made the clarification against the background of public protest that trailed the raid carried out by its men at Sango Rice Market in Ogun State, carting away thousands of imported rice.

According to a survey on Saturday by Sunday Tribune, the price of a bag of rice now ranges between N17,000 and N19,000 for a bag of imported rice, unlike the previous week, when a bag sold for between N16,500  and N17,000

At the popular Abubakar Rimi market in Kano a bag of Royal Stallion brand sold for N17,500, while that of India rice goes for between N17,500 and N18,000.

However, the price of local rice attracted prices ranging from N15,500 and N16,000, but at Tarauni market, a bag of rice goes for between N17,500 and N19,500

At Dawanu market also in Kano, local rice maintained its price of between N15,000 and N16,000

When asked why the prices of brands imported rice are not stable, one Hajia Zenab Ibrahim, a trader said foreign exchange is affecting price, while some other traders were of view that the raid by men of the Customs is forcing traders to hoard the goods and this is invariably affecting price.

At Sango rice market, a 50kg bag of rice still sold for between N16,000 and N20,000. While a bag of Agric rice sold for N16,000, Aroso brand sold for N20,000.

Speaking to Sunday Tribune, a trader, Iya Afusatu explained that the raid by the Customs will not affect the prices of rice.

According to her, “Customs raided our shops and took our rice away, maybe for destruction or other motives known to them (Customs), it is not that they intend to sell such rice.

“Prices of rice will remain the same despite the raids because of the cost of bringing them in through thick bushes.”

Also in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, a bag of rice remains at N20,000.

A rice trader, who simply identified herself as Iya Ayo, told Sunday Tribune, there was no cause for alarm over the threat that all commodities, especially rice smuggled into the country would be seized.

Another trader, Mr Isacc Nzeogu, berated the action of the NCS over the raiding of over 60 shops at the Sango market.

He explained that traders selling rice at the Kuto market in Abeokuta bought their goods from wholesalers within the market.

In Osogbo, capital of Osun State, the price of a bag of rice remains N23,000, while a bag with short grains sells for N21,000 or N22,000.

When our correspondent visited the popular Orisunbare Market, a rice trader, Mrs Hadijat Agboola said “the prices of bags of rice have not changed. We still sell it for N23,000, N22,000 and N21,000, depending on whether it is short or long grains.”