By Monsurat Abisoye
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, preserve jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Friday, June 5, 2026, during a stakeholder engagement with operators in the vegetable oil industry at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi said the Service would enhance enforcement through improved intelligence gathering, strategic operations and closer collaboration with private sector stakeholders. He noted that Customs and industry players share a common objective of promoting legitimate trade and supporting economic growth.
According to him, combating smuggling requires sustained cooperation between government agencies and businesses, particularly in sectors with significant employment and investment potential. He therefore urged stakeholders to support enforcement efforts by providing credible intelligence on smuggling routes and illegal trade networks.
“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.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, said the Service had recorded considerable success in curbing the illegal importation of vegetable oil.
Bomodi disclosed that Customs made about 65 seizures in 2025 and 23 seizures in 2026 so far, with a combined Duty Paid Value estimated at N1.314 billion.
He added that most of the interceptions occurred along major smuggling corridors, including Seme and Idiroko borders, noting that surveillance operations would be extended to other vulnerable locations across the country.
Meanwhile, the Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, Dr. Fatai Afolabi, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for engaging stakeholders in the industry. However, he warned that the continued smuggling of vegetable oil could undermine local production, discourage investment and threaten jobs throughout the agricultural value chain.
The renewed enforcement drive underscores the Customs Service’s commitment to protecting domestic industries and promoting sustainable economic development through stronger collaboration with the private sector.
