Nigeria Customs Seizes N5.53bn Contraband in Rivers State

The Port Harcourt Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, seized 56 containers containing contraband goods with a total duty-paid value of N5.53bn. The seized items included 45 containers of Delicious Pur vegetable oil, nine containers of used clothing, and two containers of foreign tomato paste.

These goods were illegally imported through the Onne Port, concealed under false declarations as machinery and spare parts. Adeniyi expressed concern over the abuse of concessions granted to operators in free trade zones, stating that some importers exploit these incentives to introduce restricted goods into the local market.

The vegetable oil and used clothing were imported in violation of Sections 55 and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. The owners of the seized consignments will face prosecution following investigations.

The Customs Service aims to protect the Nigerian economy, public health, domestic production, and national security through these seizures.