The National Chairman of the Vegetable and Edible Oil Producers Association of Nigeria, Okey Ikoro, has raised concerns that imported vegetable oil continues to dominate Nigerian markets despite government restrictions aimed at protecting local production and strengthening the domestic agro-processing industry.
Ikoro said over 100 brands of imported vegetable oil are still widely available in markets across the country, a situation he described as evidence of weak enforcement of existing trade regulations. He made the remarks while reviewing developments in the edible oil sector, where local producers have repeatedly complained about the sustained influx of foreign products.
He explained that imported vegetable oil enters Nigeria through multiple channels, including official trade routes and unofficial border points, making enforcement difficult for regulatory agencies. According to him, the continued circulation of these products undermines government efforts to encourage local production and reduce dependence on foreign goods.
Ikoro stated that while policy measures were introduced to support domestic refining and boost investment in oil palm production, the presence of imported vegetable oil in large volumes has weakened progress recorded by local manufacturers in recent years.
“The markets are flooded with imported vegetable oil despite the fact that the item was under prohibition. If you go into the local market, you will see more than 100 brands of vegetable oil coming in from outside the country,” he said.
He added that members of the association have consistently raised concerns about smuggling activities and illegal importation of edible oils into the country. He noted that seizures along border corridors highlight ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s extensive land borders.
Ikoro further argued that the continuous inflow of imported vegetable oil has created an uneven market environment where local producers struggle to compete with foreign brands. He said domestic manufacturers face higher production costs due to energy constraints, logistics expenses and raw material sourcing challenges.
He also warned that the situation could discourage long-term investment in Nigeria’s oil palm industry, which requires significant capital and time before yielding returns. According to him, policy consistency and strict enforcement are necessary to sustain investor confidence and support sector growth.
Stakeholders in the edible oil industry have repeatedly called on government agencies to strengthen border surveillance and ensure full enforcement of import restrictions. They argue that improved regulation would help stabilize prices, protect local industries and encourage expansion in Nigeria’s agro-industrial value chain.
The association maintains that addressing the influx of imported vegetable oil remains critical to supporting domestic production, reducing smuggling activities and advancing Nigeria’s broader food security and industrialisation objectives.
