Listen to story here
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N403.49 million, dealing a significant blow to illicit trade networks operating in the South-East.
The seizure, which followed intelligence-led operations in Enugu and Delta states, comprised 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.
Addressing journalists, the Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Bishir Balogun, said Customs operatives intercepted two trucks conveying the prohibited products during separate operations carried out on May 9 and June 7, 2026.
According to him, officers first intercepted a truck at about 10 p.m. on May 9 along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while another was apprehended on June 7 along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway following credible intelligence.
Balogun said the operation underscored the Service’s growing reliance on intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and targeted enforcement strategies to disrupt smuggling activities.
He noted that the illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy by undermining local manufacturing capacity, stifling technology transfer, discouraging investment, reducing employment opportunities and exerting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
The comptroller said the seizure demonstrated the Service’s resolve to enforce the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2022 and the Federal Government’s fiscal and trade policies prohibiting the importation of foreign vegetable oil.
“This seizure represents a major blow to economic saboteurs whose illegal activities undermine local industry, technology transfer, job creation and foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
Balogun warned individuals and syndicates involved in smuggling to desist from such activities, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health, national security and the domestic economy.
He added that the seized products remain in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings.
The latest interception highlights ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to tighten border controls and curb the influx of prohibited goods, as authorities intensify measures to protect local industries and boost economic resilience.
