Customs Intercepts N5.53bn Imports, Cites Threat to Local Production
The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 56 containers of prohibited goods valued at N5.53bn at the Port Harcourt II Area Command in Rivers State, saying the seizures were aimed at protecting local producers from unfair competition.
The consignments included 45 containers of foreign vegetable oil, nine containers of used clothing and two containers of Channy tomato paste. Customs said the interceptions were carried out through intelligence-led and risk-based checks targeting prohibited, restricted and improperly declared imports.
The service said large-scale imports of goods that can be produced or processed locally could reduce demand for Nigerian products, weaken domestic value chains and discourage investment in agriculture and manufacturing. It added that the enforcement was intended to support local production, food security and job creation while allowing compliant businesses to continue legitimate trade.
Customs urged importers to establish whether their goods are permitted before making transactions and to provide accurate information on the quantity, value, origin and classification of consignments. The command said the latest seizures demonstrate its continued focus on stopping prohibited imports from entering the Nigerian market.
