By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to protect local manufacturers and preserve jobs with the seizure of prohibited imported goods valued at over N273.7 million in Cross River State.
Speaking during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller of the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, Comptroller Giwa Dauda, said the interceptions were part of the Service’s ongoing campaign against smuggling and illegal importation, which threaten Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development.
Dauda disclosed that Customs operatives intercepted two 20-foot containers loaded with 1,996 gallons of foreign refined vegetable oil along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway on June 14, 2026.
According to him, the products, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N195.5 million, were concealed in a truck apprehended during a routine patrol operation.
He explained that vegetable oil is among the products in which Nigerian manufacturers have invested heavily, noting that the influx of prohibited imported alternatives poses a significant threat to domestic production and employment.
“Allowing these products into the Nigerian market would undermine local production capacity, discourage investment and endanger thousands of jobs across the agricultural and manufacturing value chains,” he said.
The Customs boss noted that the seized vegetable oil falls under the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy, which is designed to encourage local production, promote self-sufficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
In addition to the vegetable oil seizure, the Command also confiscated 1,500 used tyres and 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing during separate operations.
He said the cumulative Duty Paid Value of all seized items amounted to N273.7 million.
Dauda further revealed that officers intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bringing the total volume of petrol seized by the Command since the beginning of 2026 to 5,760 litres.
He added that the seized fuel was disposed of in line with approved safety procedures due to its highly combustible nature.
The Area Controller warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from engaging in illegal importation activities, stressing that such practices undermine local industries, distort fair competition and frustrate government efforts to diversify the economy through industrialisation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to enforcing trade regulations, protecting legitimate businesses and supporting policies aimed at boosting local manufacturing and economic growth.
