Lagos: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the interception of tankers carrying suspected smuggled vegetable oil and a truckload of soap that entered the country through illegal channels. Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, revealed the details during a press conference in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the smuggled goods were brought into the country via illegal land borders. The seizures are part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage and safeguard consumer health. Dr. Iluyomade explained that the three tankers, each with a capacity of 66,000 liters, were smuggled from Ghana with altered plate numbers. Investigations are currently being conducted to verify the content of the purported oil and determine its street value.
The truckload of soap comprised 40,000 cartons, with an estimated street value of N500 million. Dr. Iluyomade noted that smugglers have been employing various methods to evade detection, such as altering vehicle registration numbers and disguising prohibited imports as legitimate cargo. He highlighted the increase in smuggling activities along the land border corridors and expressed concern about the health risks posed by smuggled goods, which often bypass regulatory inspections and certification.
He further explained that the importation of vegetable oil and certain other products is restricted by the Federal Government to encourage local production and create employment opportunities in Nigeria. Five individuals connected to the seizures have been arrested and are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
Dr. Iluyomade emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to working with security agencies to strengthen surveillance along land borders to prevent the illegal entry of prohibited goods. He reiterated the government’s directive that trucks used for transporting edible oils must be clearly marked and used exclusively for that purpose, warning that any truck violating this regulation would be impounded.