Customs Intercepts Smuggled Vegetable Oil Worth N403.5m, Vows Protection for Local Industry
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C has intensified its crackdown on smuggling activities with the seizure of over 3,310 jerrycans of foreign vegetable oil valued at ₦403.5 million, in what officials described as a significant blow to illicit trade networks and economic saboteurs undermining local production.
The seizure was announced by the Controller of the Unit, Comptroller of Customs Bishir Balogun, during a press briefing held in Owerri, Imo State, on Monday, 15 June 2026.
He disclosed that the operation was made possible through strategic intelligence gathering and sustained enforcement efforts by officers of the unit.
According to Balogun, the confiscated products consisted of 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of five-litre sunflower vegetable oil and 20 cartons of three-litre sunflower vegetable oil.
He revealed that one of the consignments was intercepted at about 10 p.m. on 9 May 2026 along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while another truck carrying smuggled vegetable oil was apprehended on 7 June 2026 along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway following credible intelligence.
The combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was put at ₦403,491,000.
Describing the seizure as a major success in the Service’s anti-smuggling campaign, Comptroller Balogun said the illegal importation of vegetable oil posed a serious threat to domestic industries and the nation’s economic growth.
“This seizure represents a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil undermines local industry, technology transfer, job creation and foreign exchange earnings,” he stated.
He stressed that the operation underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to implementing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and supporting the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures, which prohibit the importation of foreign vegetable oil.
“Let me emphasise that the operation demonstrates the Service’s firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures that prohibit the importation of foreign vegetable oil,” he added.
The Customs chief issued a stern warning to individuals and syndicates involved in smuggling, urging them to desist from engaging in activities capable of harming the country’s economy.
He assured that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies aimed at protecting public health, safeguarding national security and promoting the growth of local industries.
Balogun further disclosed that the seized vegetable oil remains in the custody of the Nigeria Customs Service pending the completion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings.
The latest interception highlights the renewed determination of the Federal Operations Unit Zone C to curb illicit trade and support government policies aimed at encouraging local production, preserving jobs and enhancing economic self-sufficiency.
