Customs seizes vegetable oil, other contraband worth N273m in Cross River

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant haul of prohibited goods, including 1,996 kegs of foreign vegetable oil, valued at N273.68 million. The seizures were made during a series of anti-smuggling operations conducted by the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command.

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The reason for these prohibitions is clear. They are meant to protect public health, preserve environmental standards, encourage domestic industrial growth and safeguard local manufacturers from unfair competition.

Comptroller Momodu Dauda announced the operation's success, detailing that the intercepted items also included imported used tires and second-hand clothing. A major bust occurred on June 14, 2026, when customs officers intercepted a truck carrying two 20-foot containers of foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway. The driver and assistant fled the scene, leaving the vehicle and its contents behind.

Dauda emphasized that these items are on the Federal Government's Import Prohibition List. He warned that their circulation threatens public health, undermines domestic industries, and harms the national economy. The NCS reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling and economic sabotage, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support their operations.

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Individuals and groups engaged in smuggling activities are advised to desist, as the Service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement measures to curb all forms of economic sabotage.

The command's successes were attributed to the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose reforms have reportedly enhanced enforcement capabilities and professionalism within the service.

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Members of the public are encouraged to support the Service by providing timely and credible information that will assist us in protecting Nigeria’s economy and promoting lawful trade.