In a decisive move to safeguard Nigeria’s domestic vegetable oil industry, the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a major crackdown on illegal imports, deploying intelligence-led operations designed to prevent illicit trade from strangling local businesses and wiping out jobs in the agricultural sector.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the intensified anti-smuggling drive on Friday, June 5, 2026, while meeting with vegetable oil industry stakeholders at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Adeniyi affirmed the Service’s dedication to eliminating smuggling through strategic enforcement, intelligence collection, and collaboration with industry partners. He emphasized that Customs and vegetable oil operators share the same goal of protecting legitimate businesses, encouraging investment, and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.
The CGC stressed that tackling smuggling demands continuous cooperation between government agencies and the private sector, especially in industries that significantly contribute to job creation and economic growth.
He urged stakeholders to aid enforcement efforts by furnishing credible intelligence on smuggling routes and illicit trade operations.
Fighting smuggling is an ongoing process requiring intelligence, policy backing, and collaboration. We appreciate constructive engagement with stakeholders and will continue enhancing our partnership with the private sector, Adeniyi said.
Deputy Comptroller-General responsible for Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation Timi Bomodi also spoke, highlighting the Service’s progress in stopping illegal vegetable oil importation.
Bomodi reported that Customs seized approximately 65 vegetable oil consignments in 2025 and 23 more in 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value of around N1.314 billion.
He noted that most seizures occurred along major smuggling corridors such as Seme and Idiroko, adding that surveillance would be enhanced at other identified vulnerable locations.
Dr Fatai Afolabi, Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria who led the industry delegation, praised the Service for establishing a dialogue platform while emphasizing the need to aggressively combat vegetable oil smuggling.
Smuggling of vegetable oil undermines local production, discourages investment, and threatens thousands of jobs across the value chain, Afolabi said.