Young women, particularly single mothers across the South West geopolitical zone, are increasingly turning to rice smuggling as a lucrative alternative to petty trade.
The smuggling, predominantly from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria, has become a booming business due to the porous borders and the high demand for rice in Lagos markets.
Many women have migrated to Lagos from other South West states to participate in this illegal trade.
Despite the risks, the allure of higher profits compared to
Young women, particularly single mothers across the South West geopolitical zone, are increasingly turning to rice smuggling as a lucrative alternative to petty trade.
The smuggling, predominantly from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria, has become a booming business due to the porous borders and the high demand for rice in Lagos markets.
Many women have migrated to Lagos from other South West states to participate in this illegal trade.
Despite the risks, the allure of higher profits compared to traditional petty trades like fish selling or hawking balms has drawn them into the smuggling network.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported intercepting 222,285 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equating to 370 trailer-loads, from smugglers between September 2021 and April 2024.
Yet, the illegal trade persists and even flourishes in certain Lagos markets.
During visits to Alaba Rago and Daleko markets in Ojo and Mushin local government areas, our correspondents observed open sales of smuggled rice.
In Alaba Rago, bags of smuggled rice were seen being offloaded from vehicles and swiftly moved into wooden shacks used as stores.
The traders appeared content, with the illegal rice trade significantly boosting their profits.
Sources in Lagos and Ogun states reveal that smugglers are particularly active as the Sallah festival approaches, anticipating increased demand.
Young women, around 30 years old, participate in these smuggling activities, often facing significant risks, including assaults and harassment from male security operatives at the borders.
Adenike Odufayo, a single mother, shared her story with our correspondent.
“I come all the way from Ibadan to Lagos to buy rice. My husband left me years ago for another woman.
One of my friends, who is also a single mother, introduced me to the business.
The business of smuggling is risky because one is prone to different assaults and sexual harassment from male security operatives at the borders.
The consoling aspect of it is that money comes in at the end of each trip.”
She added, “I once lost all my life savings when Customs officers seized my goods.
All pleas to make them see reasons why I joined the trade fell on deaf ears.
That was why I knew why they refer to smuggling as ‘Fi aya wo,’ meaning, take whatever that comes your way with your mind.
I started again months later after I collected a loan from a microfinance bank.
I was previously hawking balm and other pain relief medicines in traffic at Molete in Ibadan.”
Another rice seller, identified only as Folashade, transitioned from selling fish to rice smuggling due to the escalating costs of fish.
“I know that smuggling is risky.
It is even riskier as a Nigerian than the trade itself.
I lost my husband after six years of marriage.
I have three children, a boy and two girls.
Life was not easy for me as a single mother.
I joined other young women in the market to smuggle.”
Folashade explained the logistics of their operations.
“We go to Cotonou market to buy rice in groups.
After purchase, we give the rice to crossers to help move them across the border line.
If you want them to move it to an agreed location, they will, but with extra money.”
Despite the efforts of the NCS and the apparent dangers, the trade continues to thrive, driven by economic necessity and the promise of higher earnings, underscoring the challenges in curbing smuggling activities in the region.
traditional petty trades like fish selling or hawking balms has drawn them into the smuggling network.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported intercepting 222,285 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equating to 370 trailer-loads, from smugglers between September 2021 and April 2024.
Yet, the illegal trade persists and even flourishes in certain Lagos markets.
During visits to Alaba Rago and Daleko markets in Ojo and Mushin local government areas, our correspondents observed open sales of smuggled rice.
In Alaba Rago, bags of smuggled rice were seen being offloaded from vehicles and swiftly moved into wooden shacks used as stores.
The traders appeared content, with the illegal rice trade significantly boosting their profits.
Sources in Lagos and Ogun states reveal that smugglers are particularly active as the Sallah festival approaches, anticipating increased demand.
Young women, around 30 years old, participate in these smuggling activities, often facing significant risks, including assaults and harassment from male security operatives at the borders.
Adenike Odufayo, a single mother, shared her story with our correspondent.
“I come all the way from Ibadan to Lagos to buy rice.
My husband left me years ago for another woman.
One of my friends, who is also a single mother, introduced me to the business.
The business of smuggling is risky because one is prone to different assaults and sexual harassment from male security operatives at the borders.
The consoling aspect of it is that money comes in at the end of each trip.”
She added, “I once lost all my life savings when Customs officers seized my goods.
All pleas to make them see reasons why I joined the trade fell on deaf ears.
That was why I knew why they refer to smuggling as ‘Fi aya wo,’ meaning, take whatever that comes your way with your mind.
I started again months later after I collected a loan from a microfinance bank.
I was previously hawking balm and other pain relief medicines in traffic at Molete in Ibadan.”
Another rice seller, identified only as Folashade, transitioned from selling fish to rice smuggling due to the escalating costs of fish.
“I know that smuggling is risky.
It is even riskier as a Nigerian than the trade itself.
I lost my husband after six years of marriage.
I have three children, a boy and two girls.
Life was not easy for me as a single mother.
I joined other young women in the market to smuggle.”
Folashade explained the logistics of their operations.
“We go to Cotonou market to buy rice in groups.
After purchase, we give the rice to crossers to help move them across the border line.
If you want them to move it to an agreed location, they will, but with extra money.”
