Seme Customs nabs smugglers with N1.2bn expired flour, warns of health risks

Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Seme Area Command, has made a significant seizure of expired flour worth N1.2 billion, as it intercepted five trucks conveying 10,000 bags of expired flour originating from Egypt, with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,210,300,000.00.

According to the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, the expired flour posed a significant health risk to consumers, potentially leading to severe infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications.

He emphasized the importance of protecting public health and the need for continued vigilance against smuggling activities.

The seized flours with an expired date written “March 2024 and produced date November 2024 boldly written on the bags proved the Command’s efforts to suppress smuggling and protect national security, public health, and economic stability.

The NCS remains committed to balancing revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.

The Command has urged the public to report any suspicious activities and to be cautious when consuming products that may have been tampered with or have passed their expiration dates.

Adenuga expressed outrage, saying, “It’s appalling to see how far some individuals would go. If they had succeeded, they would have rebagged the expired flour and sold it to bakeries, putting the health of unsuspecting Nigerians at risk.

“We thank God for our CGC, who is the number one Customs officer in the world today, for aiding us with the intelligence that led to this discovery.

“Our collective mission is to ensure that the Seme-Krake Border remains a gateway of prosperity, not criminality,” he said.

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director for Seme Area, Dr. Nurudeen Audu, stated that the 10,000 bags of expired flour would be taken directly to the dump site in Sagamu, Ogun State, for destruction, bypassing the need for laboratory testing.

He further said, “Seized food items are usually sent to our laboratory at Oshodi for testing before they are allowed to be sold or taken to the internally displaced persons camps or the public for distribution.”

He expressed that his agency has continued to synergise with the NCS in protecting the nation’s economy and checking the illegal entry of dangerous and expired pharmaceuticals into Nigeria.

Regarding seized items as edible rice and vehicles that would otherwise rot away and become economic waste, Comptroller Adenuga emphasized that CGC Adeniyi’s zero-tolerance policy for waste is well-known.

“We will involve relevant agencies to assess the edible items in the laboratory and make the right decisions. Vehicles will be disposed of appropriately and efficiently. By the time you come here, these items will be gone. All seized goods will be disposed of transparently and in accordance with regulations, with no room for backdoor dealings.”

“To demonstrate our commitment to minimizing waste, we used congealed cement seized along with trucks to repair potholes on nearby roads.

“Our goal is to make this area business-friendly and conducive to trade. Given its proximity to the trade fair, we aim to provide a seamless experience for businesses operating here.

“We prioritize trade facilitation, which is why we’ve been engaging in collaboration talks with Beninese authorities, customs agents, sister agencies, host communities, and other stakeholders for the past week. These efforts are designed to streamline processes and enhance the overall business environment.

“Indeed, we have started experiencing the result. We will stop at nothing to reduce checkpoints on the road. I urge you, journalists, to help us expose any of the security agencies on the way that impede trade facilitation by creating illegal checkpoints.

“Our CGC is working hard to update some of the obsolete facilities at the ECOWAS building as lightning and others.

“Nigerian customs is leading the way now. I assure you, we will bring a lot of improvement to the Seme-Krake Border.

“Our officers are receiving the necessary boost; they get their promotions now as when due, no more favouritism. Officers who facilitate seizures are highly commended.

“Performance will be rewarded, while those who break the law will face consequences. It’s a matter of merit and accountability.”

Controller of Narcotics at the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ajoku Rita, commended the collaboration with sister agencies, saying, “We’re working together to prevent the influx of illicit drugs that threaten the well-being of our youth.”

She acknowledged the seizure of tramadol and cannabis sativa, highlighting the agency’s commitment to a safer society.

The customs controller further reported that intelligence-led operations yielded significant seizures, including 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa and 120 packs of tramadol (120mg). Two suspects were handed over to the NDLEA on October 7, 2025, for further investigation.

The CAC revealed that in total, the DPV for all seizures stands at an impressive ₦1,999,093,429, just as he maintained that the feat underscored the command’s commitment to safeguarding public health and welfare while enhancing national revenue through effective customs operations.