The Nigerian Customs Service has lifted the ban on importation of rice and has also re-introduced import duty payments at land borders.
Hameed Ali(rtd), the Comptroller -General of Nigeria Customs Service, made this announcement on Wednesday through the agenciy’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi.
Mr Wale said that the restriction was only applicable at land border stations , and also added that all rice imports through this route was now legal, but would attract an import duty of 10 percent with 60 percent Levy for rice traders, while rice millers with valid quota would also attract a duty rate of 10 percent with 20 percent Levy on rice importation.
In the past, the importation of rice had been restricted to the seaport because border authorities have been unable to effectively manage its importation and also to completely control the price.
He said, “When the decision to ban rice was taken it was not an effective measure because smuggling of the product thrives with people using different means of conveyance including small trucks, bicycles, and even small animals putting them on donkeys , and some actually carry it on their heads.”
“These new measures will be for systems to recognise their anti-smuggling operations in the boarder areas and ensure that all those importers through the border bring their rice through approved routes and pay their exact duty.”
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