Customs seize N274m contrabands in Cross River

The Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its anti-smuggling operations, intercepting prohibited goods valued at over N273.7 million in Cross River State. This significant seizure is part of a broader effort to protect domestic industries, preserve jobs, and support the Federal Government's industrialization agenda.

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The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its commitment to protecting Nigerian manufacturers and preserving jobs by intercepting prohibited imported goods valued at over N273 million in Cross River State.

Among the intercepted items were nearly 2,000 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil, used tyres, and second-hand clothing. The operation highlights renewed concerns about the detrimental impact of illicit imports on local manufacturers and investments. The Customs Area Controller for Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom, Comptroller Giwa Dauda, confirmed the operation.

On June 14, 2026, Customs operatives intercepted a truck carrying two 20-foot containers loaded with 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway. These products, with a Duty Paid Value of N195.5 million, were concealed and discovered during a routine patrol. Dauda emphasized the importance of this seizure, noting that the vegetable oil industry is a sector where Nigerian investors have made substantial commitments.

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The command remains resolute in enforcing Federal Government trade policies aimed at protecting local industries and encouraging domestic production.

Dauda stated that allowing the unrestricted influx of foreign vegetable oil undermines government efforts toward self-sufficiency, weakens local production capacity, and jeopardizes thousands of jobs in the agricultural and manufacturing value chains. The seized products are prohibited under existing government policy, and their illegal entry could have severe consequences for local producers and investors who have invested heavily in the sector.

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These products are prohibited imports under existing government policy, and their illegal entry into the Nigerian market would have serious consequences for local manufacturers and investors who have committed enormous resources to developing the sector.