The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to strengthen enforcement operations against vegetable oil smuggling, unveiling intelligence-led strategies aimed at protecting local industries, preserving jobs and supporting growth across the agricultural value chain. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed the initiative during a meeting with stakeholders in the vegetable oil industry held at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs leadership reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit trade through strategic enforcement, intelligence gathering and closer collaboration with industry operators.
Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service and stakeholders in the vegetable oil sector share a common objective of protecting legitimate businesses, encouraging investment and strengthening the national economy.
He noted that combating vegetable oil smuggling requires sustained cooperation between government institutions and private sector operators, particularly in industries that contribute significantly to employment and economic development. The Customs boss also urged industry stakeholders to support ongoing enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence on smuggling routes and illegal trade activities.
“Fighting smuggling is a continuous process that requires intelligence, policy support and collaboration. We value constructive engagement with stakeholders and will continue to strengthen our partnership with the private sector,” Adeniyi said.
Providing details of recent enforcement activities, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, highlighted achievements recorded in the fight against illegal imports. Bomodi disclosed that Customs recorded 65 seizures of vegetable oil products in 2025 and an additional 23 seizures in 2026. According to him, the confiscated products had a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of approximately N1.314 billion.
“We recorded about 65 seizures of vegetable oil products in 2025 and another 23 seizures in 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value of approximately N1.314 billion,” he said.
He explained that many of the interceptions occurred along major smuggling corridors, including the Seme and Idiroko border routes. Bomodi added that surveillance and monitoring operations would be intensified in other vulnerable locations identified by the Service as part of efforts to curb vegetable oil smuggling.
Speaking on behalf of industry operators, Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, Dr. Fatai Afolabi, commended the Customs Service for engaging stakeholders through dialogue and consultation. However, he stressed the need for sustained enforcement, warning that illegal imports continue to undermine local manufacturers and investors.
“Smuggling of vegetable oil undermines local production, discourages investment and threatens thousands of jobs across the value chain,” Afolabi said. He noted that unchecked smuggling poses risks to employment, production capacity and the long-term sustainability of businesses operating within the sector.
The renewed campaign against vegetable oil smuggling forms part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader strategy to safeguard local industries, enhance revenue generation and protect national economic interests. Customs officials say intelligence-driven operations and stronger collaboration with stakeholders will remain central to efforts aimed at reducing illicit trade and supporting domestic production.
