Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, has seized a large consignment of smuggled foreign vegetable oil valued at approximately N403.5 million in a major enforcement operation targeting illicit trade networks in the South-East and South-South regions. The seizure, which followed an intelligence-led operation, comprised two truckloads of contraband intercepted in Enugu and Delta states, representing a significant blow to economic saboteurs undermining local industry and national revenue.
At a press briefing in Owerri on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Comptroller of FOU Zone C, Bishir Balogun, disclosed that operatives intercepted two trucks carrying the illegal consignments following credible intelligence. One of the trucks was intercepted at about 10 p.m. on May 9, 2026, along the 9th Mile axis in Enugu State, while the second was apprehended on June 7, 2026, along the Onitsha–Agbor Highway.
The seized items comprised 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated goods was estimated at ₦403,491,000.
Speaking on the development, Comptroller Balogun emphasised the broader implications of the seizure for Nigeria’s economy. “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 said. He reiterated that the operation demonstrated the Service’s firm commitment to enforcing the NCS Act 2022 (as amended) and the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures prohibiting the importation of foreign vegetable oil.
Balogun also warned individuals and syndicates engaged in smuggling activities to desist from such acts, stressing that the Service would continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to protect public health, national security, and the domestic economy. “The Nigeria Customs Service will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to protect public health, national security and the domestic economy,” he said. The confiscated jerrycans and cartons remain in Customs custody pending the conclusion of investigations and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings.
This latest seizure is part of a broader enforcement campaign against vegetable oil smuggling. Customs officials have recorded about 65 seizures of vegetable oil products in 2025 and 23 seizures in 2026 so far, with a combined Duty Paid Value of approximately N1.314 billion. The sustained enforcement actions underscore the Service’s determination to protect local industries, strengthen border surveillance, and enhance compliance with import regulations, particularly on items placed on the Federal Government’s import prohibition list.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly argued that the influx of smuggled products into the Nigerian market creates unfair competition for local producers who comply with regulatory requirements, pay taxes, and employ thousands of Nigerians. Analysts say sustained enforcement actions against smuggling are critical to protecting local industries, boosting government revenue, and promoting self-sufficiency in key sectors of the economy.
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