The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced new intelligence-driven operations to tackle the smuggling of vegetable oil into the country. The move aims to protect local investments, preserve jobs, and support growth in the agricultural sector.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi revealed the plan on 5 June 2026 during a meeting with stakeholders at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

“Fighting smuggling is a continuous process that requires intelligence, policy support, and collaboration. We value constructive engagement with stakeholders and will continue to strengthen our partnership with the private sector,” Adeniyi said.

Why It Matters

Illegal importation of vegetable oil undermines domestic production and discourages investment in the sector. Local producers argue that smuggling threatens thousands of jobs across the agricultural value chain.

Dr Fatai Afolabi, Founder of the Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria, said:

“Smuggling of vegetable oil undermines local production, discourages investment, and threatens thousands of jobs across the value chain.”

Customs Reports Seizures

Deputy Comptroller-General Timi Bomodi outlined recent achievements in enforcing anti-smuggling measures.

According to Bomodi, the NCS recorded 65 seizures of vegetable oil products in 2025 and 23 seizures in 2026, with a combined Duty Paid Value of around ₦1.314 billion. Many of the confiscated products were intercepted along major smuggling corridors such as Seme and Idiroko.

“Surveillance will also be strengthened in other identified vulnerable locations,” Bomodi added.

Inter-Agency Cooperation on Security

Customs is also deepening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to address broader security challenges.

During a strategic meeting on 3 June 2026, CGC Adeniyi and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Disu Olatunji pledged to enhance intelligence sharing, coordinated responses, and joint operations to safeguard national stability.

“The NCS stands with the NPF in these challenging times. Together, we can strengthen the safety and stability of our nation,” Adeniyi said.

IGP Disu added:

“Sustained collaboration among our personnel will enhance our collective efforts in addressing security challenges.”

What’s Next

The NCS plans to launch targeted operations in high-risk areas and is calling on stakeholders to provide credible intelligence to combat smuggling. Officials say continued cooperation between government agencies and private-sector operators is crucial for long-term success.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a two-week technical assistance programme with the World Bank Group aimed at strengthening its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, a key tool used by customs authorities to verify trade declarations and improve revenue collection.

The programme, held at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, runs from 1 to 12 June 2026 under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme. It seeks to enhance compliance management, improve trade facilitation and strengthen revenue assurance through modern auditing techniques.

Officials say the initiative comes as Nigeria continues efforts to modernise customs operations, curb revenue leakages and create a more efficient trading environment for businesses.

Why it matters

Post Clearance Audit allows customs authorities to examine import and export records after goods have been released from ports and border posts.

Experts say effective audit systems can help governments increase revenue without introducing new taxes, while also reducing delays for legitimate traders.

The initiative aligns with broader reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service aimed at leveraging technology and intelligence-led operations to improve efficiency and transparency.

Customs pushes modernisation agenda

Speaking on behalf of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu described the mission as a major step towards building a technology-driven and globally competitive customs administration.

He said modern customs agencies increasingly rely on intelligence-led and risk-based interventions rather than traditional transaction-focused controls.

“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.”

Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation and integrated audit systems as key areas that will receive attention during the programme.

He added that an effective Post Clearance Audit framework would help Customs improve revenue assurance, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen public confidence in government institutions.

The Assistant Comptroller-General also commended Customs leadership for prioritising modernisation and capacity development, while acknowledging the support provided by the World Bank and other development partners.

World Bank focuses on global best practices

World Bank Task Team Lead Moses Kajubi said the programme is designed to equip officers with practical audit tools and internationally recognised methodologies.

According to him, participants will gain exposure to modern compliance management techniques and case management systems that can be adapted to Nigeria’s customs environment.

Kajubi highlighted the growing role of technology and data-driven decision-making in customs administration worldwide.

“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”

He expressed confidence that the training would strengthen institutional capacity and support the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reform agenda.

Technology and data analytics take centre stage

Lead Consultant for the ARMOR Programme, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission aims to improve trade facilitation, optimise revenue generation and enhance compliance management through a more structured audit framework.

He stressed the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring systems and the integration of data analytics into customs operations.

Dutt also highlighted the importance of technology-driven solutions, including the Customs Service’s B’Odogwu platform, as part of efforts to improve accountability and operational efficiency.

During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Jubril demonstrated how officers can conduct audit reviews using the B’Odogwu platform, including the use of Harmonised Commodity Codes and risk indicators to identify potential compliance issues.

Industry perspective

Trade experts have long argued that stronger post-clearance audit systems can help strike a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory enforcement.

By moving audits away from ports and border checkpoints, customs authorities can speed up cargo clearance while maintaining oversight through data analysis and risk assessment.

Businesses may also benefit from more predictable customs procedures, although compliance requirements are expected to become more rigorous.

What happens next?

The workshop is expected to conclude on 12 June with recommendations for strengthening Nigeria’s Post Clearance Audit framework and integrating international best practices into daily operations.

In his closing remarks during the opening session, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima urged participants to make full use of the training and apply the knowledge gained to support the strategic objectives of the Nigeria Customs Service.

As Nigeria seeks to boost non-oil revenue and improve the ease of doing business, customs officials believe stronger audit systems will play an increasingly important role in achieving those goals.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has praised the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s public commendation of the Customs chief reflects confidence in the direction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The monarch made the remarks during an Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by Adeniyi at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State, on 28 May 2026.

The event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, senior Customs officers, community stakeholders, family members, and associates.

Why It Matters

The endorsement comes at a time when the Nigeria Customs Service is playing a critical role in the Federal Government’s efforts to increase revenue, strengthen border security, facilitate trade, and support economic reforms.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify government income and improve trade efficiency, the performance of agencies such as Customs has become increasingly important to national economic planning.

The public support from one of Nigeria’s most influential traditional rulers also highlights the growing attention being paid to leadership within key government institutions.

Ooni Links Tinubu’s Praise to Customs Performance

Speaking at the gathering, Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s positive assessment of Adeniyi’s performance was significant.

“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement. It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”

The monarch described Adeniyi as a leader capable of bringing different groups together while contributing to both institutional development and community progress.

“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”

Customs Chief Highlights Reforms and Economic Contributions

Addressing guests, Adeniyi thanked the Ooni, community leaders, family members, and supporters for their continued encouragement.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a period for reflection on sacrifice, service, gratitude, and responsibility.

According to him, the celebration also provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships and promote collective efforts toward community development and national progress.

Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to record gains in revenue collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility programmes.

He noted that these efforts align with the Federal Government’s economic objectives and support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Focus on Trade, Security and Community Development

The Customs chief said reforms within the Service are designed to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, enhance national security, and create opportunities for economic growth.

He added that Customs has expanded community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support initiatives, healthcare programmes, and other development projects.

Adeniyi pledged that the Service would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and delivering greater value to Nigerians.

He also reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service delivery.

Expert Perspective

Public policy analysts say efficient customs administration remains essential to Nigeria’s economic development strategy.

Experts note that stronger trade facilitation measures can reduce business costs, improve cross-border commerce, and increase government revenue, while effective anti-smuggling operations help protect domestic industries and national security interests.

They add that investments in technology and institutional reforms could further strengthen Customs’ role in supporting economic growth.

Public and Industry Reactions

Business stakeholders have consistently called for faster cargo clearance processes, improved digital systems, and predictable trade policies.

Industry groups argue that continued reforms within Customs could help improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub while boosting investor confidence.

Community leaders at the gathering also welcomed the Service’s social responsibility initiatives, particularly projects focused on education and healthcare.

What Happens Next?

The Nigeria Customs Service is expected to continue implementing reforms aimed at improving trade efficiency, increasing revenue generation, and strengthening border management.

Observers will be watching whether ongoing modernization efforts translate into measurable improvements for businesses, government finances, and consumers.