Customs Seizes 56 Containers of Prohibited Goods, Reaffirms Commitment to Protect Local Production

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its resolve to safeguard Nigerian farmers, manufacturers, and businesses from prohibited imports and false declarations that undermine domestic production and job creation.

Speaking on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi announced the interception of 56 containers laden with prohibited goods, valued at ₦5.53 billion in duty paid terms, at the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, Rivers State.

“This intervention is part of intelligence-driven, risk-based operations aimed at preventing prohibited, restricted, and improperly declared consignments from entering the Nigerian market, thereby protecting the productivity of our local businesses,” Adeniyi stated.

He emphasized that unchecked importation of goods that can be produced locally exposes Nigerian farmers and manufacturers to unfair competition, weakens demand for domestic products, and discourages investment across value chains.

“The economic impact is particularly significant in agriculture and manufacturing. Large-scale importation of products Nigeria can produce or process undermines government efforts to promote local industries, strengthen food security, create jobs, and diversify the economy,” he added.

Adeniyi clarified that Customs enforcement is not intended to frustrate legitimate businesses but to ensure a fair, secure, and predictable trading environment. He noted that the Service’s risk-based approach facilitates legitimate cargo while directing scrutiny toward high-risk consignments.

The Comptroller-General commended Comptroller Aliyu Alkali and officers of the Port Harcourt II Area Command for the successful interceptions. He advised importers and stakeholders to verify the admissibility of their intended imports before transactions and to make accurate declarations regarding description, quantity, value, origin, and classification of goods.

Details of the seized consignments revealed 45 containers (20-foot) of foreign vegetable oil, 9 containers (40-foot) of used clothing, and 2 containers (20-foot) of Channy tomato paste.

Adeniyi stressed that the confiscations align with the Federal Government’s broader economic objectives, particularly policies promoting Made-in-Nigeria products.