By Joy Onu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, has intercepted prohibited imports with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N273,676,021 in a series of anti-smuggling operations across its area of responsibility.
The seizures, comprising foreign refined vegetable oil, imported used tyres, second-hand clothing and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), were unveiled by the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Momodu Dauda, during a press briefing in Calabar on Wednesday. He said the interceptions formed part of the Service’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal importation, protect local manufacturers and preserve jobs.
Dauda said the largest seizure was recorded on June 14, when officers on patrol along the Odukpani–Calabar Highway intercepted a truck conveying two 20-foot containers loaded with foreign refined vegetable oil.
He said a physical examination revealed 1,996 kegs of 25-litre refined vegetable oil with a Duty Paid Value of N195,499,248.
The Area Controller noted that vegetable oil is one of the products in which Nigerian manufacturers have made significant investments, warning that the importation of prohibited foreign vegetable oil could undermine local production capacity, discourage investment and threaten thousands of jobs across the agricultural and manufacturing value chains.
According to him, the Command also intercepted 1,500 imported used tyres valued at N61,392,713 and 105 jumbo-sized rolls of second-hand clothing with a DPV of N15,632,060.
Dauda further disclosed that officers of the Command, earlier on Wednesday, intercepted 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with a DPV of N1,152,000.
“This interception brings the cumulative volume of PMS seized by the command this year to approximately Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty litres (5,760). In line with safety protocols and considering the highly combustible nature of the product, the seized PMS has been promptly disposed in accordance with established procedures,” he said.
He noted that the seized items are on the Federal Government’s Import Prohibition List and are therefore not eligible for importation into Nigeria.
He explained that the interceptions were carried out in accordance with Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, as well as applicable trade regulations governing prohibited imports.
According to the Area Controller, the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy is designed to stimulate local production, promote self-sufficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
“The reason for these prohibitions is clear. They are meant to protect public health, preserve environmental standards, encourage domestic industrial growth and safeguard our local manufacturers from unfair competition. They also support the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of promoting local production and preserving legitimate trade,” he stated.
Describing the seizures as a reflection of the Command’s commitment to protecting the national economy, supporting local industries and preventing the unlawful importation of prohibited goods, Dauda attributed the Command’s enforcement successes in part to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“His reform-driven administration continues to strengthen our enforcement capabilities, intelligence-led operations and professionalism across all Commands of the Service,” he said.
He warned that the importation of prohibited goods undermines local industries, threatens economic growth and violates existing trade regulations.
According to him, such illegal activities also distort market competition and undermine the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy through industrialisation.
“Individuals and groups engaged in smuggling activities are advised to desist from such acts, as the Service will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and sustained enforcement measures to curb all forms of economic sabotage,” he warned.
Dauda urged members of the public to support the Nigeria Customs Service with timely and credible information, assuring that the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command would remain resolute in suppressing smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, protecting national security and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
