By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to launch intelligence-driven special operations targeting the smuggling of vegetable oil into the country as part of efforts to protect local investments, safeguard jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders in the vegetable oil industry held at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Adeniyi said the Service remains committed to combating smuggling through strategic enforcement, intelligence gathering and sustained collaboration with stakeholders. He noted that Customs and operators in the vegetable oil sector share a common goal of protecting legitimate businesses, encouraging investment and supporting national economic growth.
According to him, tackling smuggling requires continuous cooperation between government agencies and the private sector, especially in sectors that play critical roles in employment generation and economic development.
The Customs boss also urged industry stakeholders to support enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence on smuggling routes and other illicit 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 stated.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, highlighted the Service’s achievements in curbing the illegal importation of vegetable oil products.
Bomodi disclosed that Customs recorded numerous seizures across key border corridors, stressing that surveillance operations would be intensified in vulnerable locations identified by the Service.
“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 further stated that many of the interceptions were made along major smuggling routes, including the Seme and Idiroko border corridors, adding that enforcement activities would be strengthened in other areas prone to illicit trade.
Leading the industry delegation, Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, Dr Fatai Afolabi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for creating a platform for engagement with industry players.
Afolabi, however, stressed the need for stronger measures against vegetable oil smuggling, warning that the practice continues to undermine local production, discourage investment and threaten thousands of jobs across the value chain.
The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to deepen collaboration with stakeholders and develop practical strategies aimed at protecting local industries from the adverse effects of smuggling.
