Customs Moves to Shield Local Industry, Auctions ₦26.53m Seized Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its commitment to protecting domestic industries and tightening enforcement against smuggling following the auction of seized petroleum and palm oil products with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦26.53 million.

The exercise, conducted by the Eastern Marine Command at its Oron Outstation in Akwa Ibom State, forms part of the Service’s broader strategy to discourage illicit cross-border trade, protect government revenue and create a more competitive operating environment for legitimate businesses.

The public auction, held in accordance with Section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, involved 14,720 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 14,925 litres of industrial palm oil, edible palm oil and vegetable oil.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Comptroller of the Eastern Marine Command, Deputy Comptroller Esien Esiet, said the auction demonstrates the Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the efficient management of government assets while reinforcing its anti-smuggling mandate.

According to Esiet, the products were intercepted during anti-smuggling operations within the command’s area of responsibility. He noted that the illicit movement of goods continues to undermine indigenous industries, distort market competition and erode government revenue.

“This exercise reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and the prudent management of government assets,” he said.

He added that sustained enforcement against smuggling remains critical to supporting Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda by ensuring local manufacturers and processors operate on a level playing field.

Esiet commended officers and personnel of the Eastern Marine Command for maintaining operational effectiveness despite the challenges associated with policing the country’s maritime corridors.

He also assured stakeholders that the auction process was conducted in a transparent, fair and legally compliant manner, allowing equal access for all qualified bidders.

The acting comptroller acknowledged the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose leadership, he said, has strengthened the Service’s enforcement and trade facilitation agenda. He also recognised the collaboration of sister security agencies, traditional institutions, host communities and the media in combating trans-border crimes.

He urged businesses and members of the public to comply with extant trade regulations and partner with the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests, curbing smuggling and promoting sustainable growth of local industries.

LADAN NASIDI