The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over seized agricultural chemicals valued at more than ₦223.54 million to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further regulatory action.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the command's headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.

According to the Customs chief, the seized agricultural products included 500 cartons of Rezim Herbicide, 708 cartons of Gramosun, 1,291 cartons of Sun-Paraquat, 1,990 cartons of Gbeledzo and 1,620 cartons of Gramostrong.

The combined street value of the products was put at approximately ₦223.54 million.

NAFDAC's regulatory framework covers agrochemical products, including pesticides and herbicides. The agency has also specifically prohibited the use of paraquat in Nigeria because of concerns over its toxicity to humans and the environment.

Customs said the products were intercepted at different locations within the Kebbi Area Command's jurisdiction as officers intensified efforts to prevent the movement of prohibited and controlled goods.

The command also handed over other seized items to relevant government agencies as part of its inter-agency enforcement efforts.

Cannabis sativa valued at about ₦2.52 million was transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while seized ammunition was handed over to the appropriate government authority responsible for small arms and light weapons control.

The Customs Area Controller said the seizures demonstrated the importance of cooperation between Customs, NAFDAC, NDLEA and other security and regulatory institutions in preventing prohibited goods and controlled substances from entering distribution channels.

He urged importers, distributors and users of agricultural chemicals to comply with Nigeria's regulatory requirements and obtain the necessary approvals before bringing such products into the country or distributing them.

The Kebbi Customs Command has previously highlighted inter-agency cooperation as part of its anti-smuggling operations. Official Customs records show that the command has worked with agencies including NDLEA and other regulatory bodies when dealing with seized goods requiring specialised handling.

The latest handovers therefore form part of the wider effort by Customs and its partner agencies to curb smuggling, protect consumers and prevent restricted products from reaching Nigerian markets.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia