Iran Tensions May Trigger Rise in Smuggling in Nigeria — Expert

A customs and maritime expert, Eugene Nweke has said that Nigeria might face rising smuggling activities amid Iran tensions following potential disruptions that could significantly affect global shipping.

Nweke said this in Abuja. He added that energy markets and trade flows could be affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway between Iran and Oman through which some of the world’s oil passes.

It is in the news that the International Maritime Organisation recently said that no fewer than 3,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers were stranded in the Middle East over the ongoing war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. It said that the crucial Strait of Hormuz global shipping corridor marking the entrance to the Persian Gulf was closed due to the threat of strikes from Iran and elsewhere.

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“Customs and security agencies must deploy advanced technology, intelligence-led operations, and regional cooperation mechanisms to counter rising smuggling risks and maintain border integrity,” he said.

The expert said that Nigeria, which relied heavily on imports for refined petroleum products, machinery and consumer goods, could face elevated landing costs and supply volatility.

He said beyond global disruptions, Nigeria’s maritime sector was also confronting intensifying regional port competition particularly in West Africa with the Port of Lomé in Togo.

“At the same time, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set an ambitious revenue target of N9 trillion, reflecting the government’s broader fiscal consolidation agenda. While achievable under improved trade facilitation and enforcement mechanisms, a shifting maritime landscape may introduce operational pressures. Reduced port traffic due to regional port competition may inadvertently shift trade flows toward land borders and informal corridors.

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“This could result in increased border activities, greater pressure on customs enforcement systems and a potential rise in smuggling and illicit trade across Nigeria’s extensive land borders.

“Furthermore, intensified trade diversion could expose border corridors to heightened security threats, including organised smuggling networks and cross-border criminal activities,” he said.

According to Nweke, these risks underscore the need for stronger surveillance systems, coordinated security operations and improved border management strategies.

He said prolonged disruption or closure of the Strait could trigger global supply shocks, increase freight costs and drive inflationary pressures across import-dependent economies.

He added that in spite of these challenges, significant opportunities remained through the expansion of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Nigeria, he said, could position itself as a major supplier of refined petroleum products and manufactured goods across the continent.

This, he said, was by strengthening trade logistics, improving port efficiency and leveraging domestic industrial capacity such as the Dangote Refinery.

Nweke said to navigate this evolving landscape, strategic measures were essential to take such as strengthening port competitiveness and enhancing border, surveillance and security.