Nigerian Customs Intercept 3,310 Jerrycans of Smuggled Vegetable Oil

News in Brief:

—Customs officers in Owerri, Imo State, seized thousands of jerrycans and cartons of foreign vegetable oil during an anti-smuggling operation.

—The agency says the enforcement action will continue to protect local industries and support government trade policies.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted more than 3,300 containers of foreign vegetable oil in a major anti-smuggling operation carried out by its Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, Owerri.

The seizure, according to the service, was achieved through intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement activities aimed at preventing the illegal entry of restricted goods into the country.

Seized Products Include Thousands of Jerrycans and Cartons

The Comptroller of the unit, Mr Bishir Balogun, disclosed that officers recovered 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil during the operation.

The seized items also included 10 jerrycans of 10-litre vegetable oil, 20 cartons of five-litre sunflower vegetable oil and 20 cartons of three-litre sunflower vegetable oil.

Balogun stated that the products are currently in Customs custody while investigations continue.

Customs Links Smuggling to Economic Losses

The agency described the interception as a major blow to illegal traders whose activities affect local manufacturing, employment opportunities and foreign exchange management.

According to the Comptroller, the importation of foreign vegetable oil through unauthorised channels undermines domestic producers and disrupts efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

He added that the operation aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2022, and government policies restricting certain imports.

Agency Warns Against Illegal Trade Activities

The Customs Service has warned individuals involved in smuggling and other forms of illicit trade to stop such activities, stating that enforcement operations will continue nationwide.

Balogun said the agency would maintain intelligence-driven strategies to protect public health, national security and legitimate businesses.

He reaffirmed the agency's commitment to preventing illegal imports and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s trade regulations.