Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigeria Customs Service has announced a major offensive against vegetable oil smuggling, rolling out intelligence-driven special operations designed to shield domestic producers, safeguard jobs, and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi revealed the plan on Friday, June 5, 2026, during a high-level meeting with vegetable oil industry stakeholders at Customs headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to tackle illicit trade through strategic enforcement, real-time intelligence, and close collaboration with industry players. He stressed that Customs and vegetable oil operators share one core mission: protecting legitimate business, attracting investment, and bolstering Nigeria’s economy.
He explained that defeating smuggling demands sustained partnership between government agencies and the private sector, especially in industries that drive employment and economic growth.
The CGC urged stakeholders to assist enforcement by sharing credible leads on smuggling routes and illegal trade practices.
Fighting smuggling is a continuous process that needs intelligence, policy support, and collaboration, Adeniyi said. We value constructive engagement and will keep strengthening our partnership with the private sector.
Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi, in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, outlined progress in stopping illegal vegetable oil imports.
Bomodi reported that Customs seized around 65 vegetable oil consignments in 2025 and 23 more in 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value of roughly N1.314 billion.
He noted that most seizures occurred along major smuggling corridors such as Seme and Idiroko, and pledged intensified surveillance at these and other vulnerable points.
Dr Fatai Afolabi, Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria and leader of the industry delegation, commended Customs for opening a dialogue platform while calling for stronger action against smuggling.
Smuggling of vegetable oil undermines local production, deters investment, and puts thousands of jobs across the value chain at risk, Afolabi warned.