The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the seizure of smuggled goods valued at N4.62 billion in Ogun State, alongside additional prohibited imports worth N273.7 million intercepted in Cross River State, as part of efforts to curb smuggling and protect local industries.
Speaking at a media briefing in Idiroko, Ogun State, the Acting Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Oladapo Afeni, said the command confiscated 146 consignments during the second quarter of 2026.
He added that the command generated N259.7 million from baggage assessments, auctions of perishable goods, petroleum products and other charges within the period under review.
According to Afeni, the seized items included 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 16,525 litres of petrol, 475 litres of diesel, 7,642 pairs of footwear, 2,427 tyres, 63 sacks of foreign sugar, 73 bales of second-hand clothing, 62 bags of imported flour, fertiliser, frozen products and a used vehicle.
The command also transferred 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 62 sacks of raw marijuana and 100 sachets of Tramadol to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Afeni disclosed that the command recorded an export volume of 20,972 metric tonnes, valued at N1.04 billion, while revenue collection rose by 238 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
He attributed the increase in revenue to stricter enforcement of import and export regulations and improved compliance among traders and clearing agents.
Meanwhile, the Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom Area Command intercepted prohibited imports with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N273.7 million.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Giwa Dauda, said officers intercepted two 20-foot containers carrying 1,996 kegs of imported vegetable oil concealed in a truck along the Odukpani-Calabar Highway on June 14.
Additional seizures included 1,500 used tyres, 105 jumbo bales of second-hand clothing and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Dauda said the seizures underscored the service’s commitment to protecting domestic industries, promoting local production and enforcing the federal government’s import prohibition policy.
He warned that smuggling undermines economic growth, discourages investment and threatens jobs in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, stressing that the NCS would continue to intensify anti-smuggling operations across the country.
