馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria Customs Service seizes N273.7 million in contraband goods in Cross River State
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted prohibited goods valued at over N273.7 million in Cross River State, as part of its efforts to combat smuggling and illegal importation. The seizures include 1,996 kegs of foreign refined vegetable oil, 1,500 used tyres, 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing, and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Comptroller Giwa Dauda, the Customs Area Controller for Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command, stated that the operation aims to protect local manufacturers, preserve jobs, and support the Federal Government's industrialization agenda. The vegetable oil, with a Duty Paid Value of N195.5 million, was found concealed in a truck along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway on June 14, 2026. Dauda emphasized that the unrestricted influx of foreign vegetable oil would undermine government efforts towards self-sufficiency and threaten local production and employment. The total volume of Premium Motor Spirit seized by the Command in 2026 now stands at 5,760 litres, which was disposed of according to safety guidelines. The Customs boss warned smugglers that their activities weaken local industries, distort market competition, and undermine economic diversification efforts.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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