Rice sellers in Lafenwa Market, Abeokuta, Ogun State, staged a peaceful protest on Thursday against the Nigerian Customs officials.
The sellers, part of the Ifesowapo Association of Rice Sellers, claim Customs officers invaded their shops and seized bags of rice worth millions of Naira.
The traders marched through the streets of Abeokuta, holding leaves and placards to voice their frustration.
Secretary 1 of the association, Aderonke Mofeoluwa, said, “Customs operatives broke into our shops at midnight on Wednesday. This is not the first time this has happened. On May 27 and 29, 2024, they seized bags of rice worth N20 million.”
The sellers, many of whom are widows and single parents, say they rely on loans to run their businesses. They are now struggling with debt due to the Customs’ actions. Mrs. Folake Clement, the association’s Secretary 2, added, “Customs officers took 255 bags of rice in total during their raids. We are helpless and in debt because of this. We beg Customs to understand our situation.”
Clement continued, “They had earlier come on May 27 and 29, 2024, and took 105 bags. Again on Wednesday night, they took 150 bags. We are orphans and single mothers trying to support our children through this business.”
In response, Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi addressed the concerns. “Smuggled items remain contraband regardless of where they are taken,” he said. “I will speak with the Comptroller Federal Operations about finding a more civil way to handle these operations without causing problems for the public or the government.”
Adeniyi assured that efforts would be made to avoid such conflicts in the future, while emphasizing, “Smuggled items are still smuggled items, no matter where they are.”
