The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted a large consignment of foreign-smuggled vegetable oil with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N403.49 million.
The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Bishir Bolognese disclosed this while briefing journalists on the Unit’s latest anti-smuggling operations.
According to him, the seizure comprised 3,310 jerrycans of 25-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 10 jerrycans of 10-litre “Super Delicious” vegetable oil, 20 cartons of 5-litre sunflower vegetable oil, and 20 cartons of 3-litre sunflower vegetable oil.
Balogun explained that the seizures resulted from strategic intelligence gathering and coordinated operational activities by officers of the Unit.
He said operatives intercepted two trucks conveying the smuggled products at about 10 p.m. on May 9 along the Ninth Mile axis in Enugu State, while another interception was made on June 7 along the Onitsha-Agbor Highway following credible intelligence.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is Four Hundred and Three Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Naira (N403,491,000),” he stated.
The Customs boss described the seizure as a major setback for economic saboteurs involved in the illegal importation of foreign vegetable oil, noting that such activities undermine local industries, hinder technology transfer, reduce job creation opportunities and negatively impact foreign exchange earnings.
He stressed that the operation underscores the Service’s commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2022 (as amended), as well as the Federal Government’s fiscal and protective measures prohibiting the importation of foreign vegetable oil.
Balogun warned smugglers and criminal networks involved in illicit trade to desist from their activities, emphasizing that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health, national security and the domestic economy.
He added that the confiscated vegetable oil remains in Customs custody while investigations continue and necessary legal processes are initiated.
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