Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted a 40-foot container loaded with dry salted donkey skin, valued at approximately ₦3.6 billion, in Imo State.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 24, the Service disclosed that the seizure was made following a thorough examination of the container by its eagle-eyed officers, who discovered the prohibited consignment intended for illegal export.
Dry donkey skin, also known as ejiao in traditional Chinese medicine, is classified under Nigeria’s Export Prohibition List due to its impact on biodiversity, environmental stability, and the growing concerns around the illegal trade of endangered species.
According to Customs, the intercepted consignment contained 3,022 pieces of dry donkey skin, packed in sacks containing either 9 or 10 pieces each. Each piece weighs an average of 4.5 kilograms, bringing the total weight to 13.599 metric tons.
The market value of the seizure was calculated based on the current global price of dry salted donkey skin, which stands at $750 per unit and $166.6 per kilogram.
Customs Area Controller for FOU Zone C, Comptroller Abdullahi Balogun, praised the officers involved for their vigilance, professionalism, and commitment to upholding Nigeria’s trade laws.
He emphasised that the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi is fully focused on enforcing trade policies and cracking down on the smuggling of banned and endangered products.
“This interception sends a strong message to individuals and smuggling syndicates involved in the illicit wildlife trade. We will continue to strengthen surveillance, gather intelligence, and intensify enforcement operations across all zones,” Balogun stated.
The NCS reiterated its warning to traders and exporters to steer clear of engaging in the illegal trafficking of wildlife products, adding that violators will face the full weight of the law.
