Imo Customs Foil Attempt to Smuggle ₦3.6bn Dry Donkey Skin
In a major enforcement breakthrough, the Nigeria Customs Service has halted the illegal export of dried donkey skins worth an estimated ₦3.6 billion, seizing a 40-foot container loaded with the contraband in Owerri, Imo State.
The interception was made by operatives of the Federal Operations Unit Zone C, based in Owerri. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the container was discovered following a thorough inspection by Customs officers, who identified the consignment as dry salted donkey skins, an item listed on Nigeria’s Export Prohibition List.
The ban, imposed by the Federal Government, is aimed at curbing threats to biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance.
The Customs statement revealed that the container held a total of 3,022 pieces of donkey skins, carefully packed in sacks, some containing 10 skins, others 9. Each piece weighs about 4.5 kilograms, bringing the total shipment weight to approximately 13.6 tonnes.
Investigations also highlighted the global market value of the product. Dry salted donkey skin currently sells for around $750 per piece, translating to a unit price of $166.6 per kilogram on the international market.
Commenting on the seizure, the Customs Area Controller for FOU Zone C, Abdullahi Balogun, commended his team’s vigilance and professionalism. He stressed that the service, under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, is committed to enforcing trade regulations and halting the smuggling of prohibited goods, particularly those involving endangered species.
“This seizure should serve as a warning to those engaged in the illicit trade of wildlife parts. The Customs Service remains fully committed to protecting Nigeria’s ecological resources and upholding international conservation standards,” Balogun stated.
He further warned individuals and smuggling syndicates to desist from engaging in the illegal trade of restricted items, noting that the Service will continue to bolster its intelligence operations, surveillance, and border enforcement across all zones.
The latest seizure underscores growing concerns over the illegal trade in donkey skins, driven by high international demand, particularly for use in traditional medicine and beauty products. Nigeria, like several other African countries, has faced increasing pressure to tighten regulations and preserve its animal populations from exploitation.
