Nigeria Customs intercepts smuggled goods worth over N4.9bn across Ogun and Cross River

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported a major crackdown on illegal imports in the first half of 2026. In Cross River State officials seized two 20‑foot containers containing 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil valued at N195.5 million, along with 1,500 used tyres, 105 bales of second‑hand clothing and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, bringing the total duty‑paid value of that operation to N273.7 million. Customs Area Controller Giwa Dauda warned that “these products are listed under the Federal Government’s import prohibition policy, which seeks to stimulate local production, promote self‑sufficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.”

In the broader operation covering Ogun and Cross River states, the NCS seized 146 shipments with a combined duty‑paid value of roughly N4.9 billion. Items included foreign rice, cannabis, marijuana, large volumes of petroleum products, footwear, tyres, second‑hand clothing and other prohibited goods. Acting Area Controller Oladapo Afeni said the command generated N259 million in revenue, a 238 % increase over the same period the previous year, and highlighted that unchecked smuggling “undermines local industries, threatens jobs and weakens the national economy.”

The seizures are part of an intensified effort to protect domestic manufacturers, preserve thousands of jobs and enforce Nigeria’s import prohibition policy as the country pursues industrialisation and diversification of its economy.