The day was Monday, and the early morning sky was shrouded in a thick blanket of gray clouds. Raindrops fell steadily, creating a rhythmic symphony as they danced upon the borderlands between Kenu, Nigeria and Kabo, Benin Republic. It was a fitting backdrop for any daring adventure. Hundreds of motorcycles roared to life in Kenu, their engines reverberating through the air. Their riders aged between 16 to 25, with a shared purpose burning in their eyes, set off with determined speed. They all shared a single mission: to smuggle rice into Nigeria from neighbouring Benin Republic.
In 2015, the Nigerian Government placed a ban on the importation of rice through land borders and imposed a hefty 70% tariff on imports coming through the ports. However, despite these restrictions, numerous incidents of smuggling and seizures of this contraband by the Nigerian Customs Service have been reported.
As the motorcycles sped through the terrain, their riders blended into the backdrop of the bustling border region. Their intentions were concealed, their faces masked with determination and secrecy. They knew every turn, every hidden shortcut, and every secret crossing along this route. Two years later, the Buhari-led administration took a step further, as the President stated in his new year message that “Rice imports will stop” that year. In January 2018, the Nigeria Customs Service confirmed that the CBN stopped issuing Form ‘M’ to importers for importation of rice. Form ‘M’ is a mandatory statutory document to be completed by all importers for importation of goods into Nigeria.
We had observed during the journey the porosity of the route from Kenu in Nigeria to Kabo in Benin Republic, which is just about 11.2 km. Despite the presence of immigration, customs, and other security officials, it was easy for anyone to move in and out of Nigeria through this illegal route.At Kabo, we gathered that the smugglers had developed a network of trusted suppliers over time, enabling them to secure the rice at the cheapest price.
Talking about the risks involved, his posture straightened, and he assumed a more determined stance. His gestures became more assertive, with his hands slicing through the air to punctuate his words. “Sure, every business has its risks,” he said, his voice filled with conviction. “But let me tell you, I was raised on the streets, learning the art of hustling and making calculated moves.” His clenched fist momentarily rose, symbolising resilience and determination.
Abdullahi told The Informant247 that no fewer than 250 smugglers work around the clock every day on the route. We, however, counted about 200 on our way to and from Kabo.Earlier last year, former President Muhammadu Buhari denied that rice was being imported. “Now [in] Nigeria we produce the rice we need and we even export,” he said.
This stark disparity in pricing fuels the thriving underground economy centred around illegal rice smuggling. While consumers yearn for affordable options, the illicit trade continues to flourish, posing a significant challenge to the Nigerian government’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production.Though the smuggling activities through the illegal Kenu and Kabo routes seemed easy, it was not without its strategic alliances.
Occasional glimpses of vehicles loaded with rice emerge from the shadows and sharply disappear as fast as they appear. “We have a few vehicles working along this route, too. Just a few though,” he added.In Sinau, Korobori and Okuta markets, all spread across Baruteen, the smugglers would find willing wholesale buyers eager to purchase the smuggled rice at cheaper prices. They in turn take them to other places in Kwara state and neighbouring Oyo, to sell at market prices.
The expert also suggested the use of aerial drones and other sophisticated technologies to monitor activities at the borders. This, he said, will make their officers sit tight at duty. “Economics teaches us that the interplay between supply and demand determines the price of commodities. When demand exceeds supply, scarcity arises, leading to price increases. Conversely, if supply surpasses demand, prices tend to decrease. Therefore, if we cannot produce enough rice to meet the demand, we can expect an increase in the price of rice. Instead of imposing a ban, I believe the government should focus on improving our domestic rice production until we can achieve self-sufficiency.
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