Reps raise alarm over drug smuggling, duty evasion

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in the smuggling of illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products into Nigeria.

During an oversight visit to the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command of the Nigeria Customs Service on Friday, Committee Chairman, Hon. Leke Abejide, decried the trend, stating that the influx of such dangerous substances poses a significant threat to the nation’s wellbeing—particularly the youth, who are increasingly exposed to narcotics.

Abejide, speaking in the wake of several seizures of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, “Canadian Loud”, and Tramadol, backed calls for the introduction of capital punishment for those involved in drug smuggling. He stressed that the country’s porous entry points and the absence of effective scanning equipment have made it easier for criminals to smuggle drugs undetected.

“The interception of illicit drugs is rampant across all the Customs commands we have visited—from Seme to Idiroko, Apapa to Tincan, PTML, the Airport, and now the Lagos Free Trade Zone. We are endangering our future if we continue to allow this,” he warned. “This is happening because there are no scanners. The government must prioritise acquiring scanners to stem the tide of drug smuggling.”

Abejide also revealed that the Committee is set to investigate reports of widespread abuse of the Free Trade Zones, where containers of finished goods are allegedly diverted to evade the payment of customs duties. He noted that this practice, which has led to an estimated loss of over ₦1.6 trillion in government revenue, is being perpetrated with the collusion of some licensed customs agents and corrupt officials.

He cited a recent case in Kano, where over 100 trucks loaded with finished goods were spotted entering a Free Trade Zone under suspicious circumstances. “What are finished goods doing in a Free Trade Zone? They are meant for bonded terminals, not zones designated for raw materials. We have evidence and we will pursue a comprehensive investigation going back five years to recover all lost revenue,” he stated.

Abejide further criticised the leniency granted to Free Trade Zone companies, which allows them to defer duty payments for three months post-production. He pointed out that many of these companies abuse the provision by taking goods to market, selling them, and then paying minimal amounts at their discretion—costing the nation billions in revenue.

The Committee, he assured, is determined to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that Free Trade Zones are no longer exploited at the expense of Nigeria’s economy.