Customs Intercept Trucks Of Expired Flour Worth N1.2bn At Lagos Border

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday the interception of five trucks loaded with expired bags of flour smuggled into the country from Egypt.

Displaying the expired flours at a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt. Adewale Adenuga stated that the bags of flour, worth N1.2 Billion, originated from Egypt but were intercepted at the border.

According to Compt Adenuga, apart from the health risks associated with consuming such expired products, their consumption could also have led to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications for Nigerians.

Adenuga explained further that the command intercepted 1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Marijuana; 120 packs of tramadol 120mg; 2,043 bags of 50kg of foreign parboiled; 150 bales of second-hand clothing; 169 bottles of DSP Cough Syrup with Codeine and five used vehicles.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all seizures stands at N1.99billion. During the period under review, our operatives through credible intelligence and strong inter-agency collaboration, made other significant seizures that included five trucks conveying a total of 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with a DPV of N1.21billion intercepted in a joint operation with NAFDAC.

“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

“1,104 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, also known as Marijuana, intercepted through actionable intelligence. The social and psychological toll of such substances on our youth cannot be overstated.”

The Customs boss also stated that the command generated a whopping N1.50billion from cargo legally imported into the country through the Seme-Krake border in August 2025.

He stated further that the import duty collected in September 2025 rose by 182 per cent compared to August 2024. The Command generated a total of N1.5bn in September 2025, compared to N531.4 million collected in August 2025, representing an exceptional increase of over 182 per cent.

“This outstanding performance reflects the effectiveness of the CGC’s reform agenda built on compliance, transparency and data-driven monitoring of goods as well as the dedication of officers and men who continue to embody his vision of a modern, efficient and accountable Customs Service.

“These results underscore the CGC’s operational philosophy that smuggling is an economic sabotage that robs the nation of vital revenue and endangers public welfare. Our position is clear along the Lagos-Abidjan route that any economic resource diverted into smuggling will be a colossal waste; it will be better to channel such resources into legitimate business that could empower thousands of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and create jobs.

“It is worthy of note to commend the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially the Nigerian Navy (NN), for their support in the fight against smuggling in this corridor. The NN FOB Badagry has demonstrated that we are partners in this fight against smuggling by repeatedly handing over foreign parboiled rice intercepted and seized on the waterways and its surrounding areas. We really appreciate them for that.

“Also, the Command convened two major stakeholders’ engagements from 6–7 October, 2025. The first meeting brought together Heads of Security Agencies, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders along the Seme–Krake corridor, where far-reaching resolutions were reached to address multiple checkpoints, extortion and other trade impediments.

“All agencies reaffirmed their commitment to eradicating unnecessary checkpoints and ensuring the seamless movement of legitimate goods and persons without compromising national security. The second engagement involved our Benin Republic Customs counterparts, businessmen and licensed Customs agents from both sides of the border.”