CUSTOMS: N1.51 Billion Lost To Smuggling At Idiroko Border Could Bolster Nigeria’s Economy

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun 1 Command in Idiroko has revealed that the N1.51 billion lost to smuggling between January and October 2023 could have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic growth if it had been directed toward legitimate trade.

Speaking at a symposium organized by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), themed “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects on Border Communities & National Security,” on Monday, the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the severe consequences of smuggling on the nation’s socioeconomic well-being and security.

Shuaibu who was represented by Mr. Charles Ogunesan, Deputy Comptroller of Administration at the Idiroko Border, stated that smuggling hampers economic development, disrupts social well-being, and poses threats to national security. He called for a collective effort to curb smuggling, highlighting the sacrifices made by customs officers and the tragic loss of life among local communities.

He stated, “Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duties. We have lost officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities had lost their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hampers our social well-being, and endangers our national security.”

Shuaibu emphasized that the primary mandate of the Ogun State Customs is to generate revenue, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade, and secure the nation’s borders.

He stressed that the security and development of Nigeria are collective responsibilities.

The keynote speaker, Barr. Kehinde Bamiwola, urged the government to reduce customs duties and tariffs on goods not locally produced in the country to mitigate smuggling.

He cautioned that a country with more imports than exports would suffer from a high debt profile.

“Smuggling kills or destroys local industries and the domestic economy. Smuggling creates unhealthy competition for local industries outside the doctrine of comparative cost advantage… To the border communities, smuggling discourages education, industrialization, legitimate trade, and agricultural development.”

Bamiwola recommended government support for local production through agricultural loans, grants, subventions, and exemption of customs duty on farming equipment and machinery. He also called for a reduction in customs duties and tariffs on goods not produced locally.

The symposium shed light on the significant economic and security challenges posed by smuggling at the Idiroko Border. It called for a comprehensive approach involving government reforms and community awareness to combat smuggling and foster legitimate economic growth in Nigeria.