Customs intercepts N809.6m expired vape in Lagos

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The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command said it intercepted a 40-foot container, registration number TIIU4739360, loaded with expired disposable vapes during a thorough cargo examination, with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m

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According to a statement on Thursday, the Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of KLT Command, Bolaji Adigun, announced this during a press briefing at the command recently.

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Adigun also highlighted the command’s revenue performance for June 2026, announcing that the KLT Area Command generated a total revenue of N19.4bn in June 2026, as against the total sum of N14.3bn generated in the corresponding period of June 2025.

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“This reflects an increase of N5.041bn, representing a 35 per cent increase. In furtherance of this mandate, officers of the command, through diligent cargo examination, intercepted a 40-foot container with container number TIIU4739360 containing expired disposable vape with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m,” Adigun said.

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Adigun explained that physical examination of the container revealed 18 pallets of disposable vape products.

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He added that each pallet contained 60 cartons, with some cartons containing 20 packs and others 40 packs, respectively.

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“Each pack contained 10 pieces, bringing the total quantity to 484 cartons and 182,340 pieces. Further examination established that the products had different expiry dates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, rendering them unfit for use and posing a potential risk to public health,” he added.

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The CAC stressed it had commenced the process of handing over the seized items to the appropriate government agency for further regulatory action and proper disposal in line with established procedures and the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

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He attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and men of the command, improved stakeholder compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, and the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies.

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Adigun stated that the command remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities, adding that the briefing was an opportunity to present the command’s performance and highlight significant achievements recorded in the Enforcement Unit.

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He said the command remains dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation while maintaining a strong enforcement stance to protect the nation’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

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Adigun noted that the interception demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the command in enforcing extant laws and preventing unsafe and non-compliant goods from entering the Nigerian market.

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He urged importers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with all applicable import regulations.

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The CAC also encouraged licensed customs agents and importers to take advantage of the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Advance Ruling System, which are designed to promote trade facilitation, enhance compliance, provide greater predictability in customs processes, and improve the ease of doing business.

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He also assured that the command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations, effective risk management, and stringent cargo examination procedures to detect and intercept expired, falsely declared, prohibited, and other non-compliant goods while contributing to national economic growth, public health, and security.

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Adigun expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

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He also commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, which have continued to translate into outstanding operational achievements.

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The Acting CAC further appreciated stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, importers, and the compliant trading community, for their cooperation and adherence to extant laws and regulations.

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He equally acknowledged the invaluable support of partner government agencies, whose collaboration strengthens collective efforts in protecting the nation’s economy, securing borders, and safeguarding public health.

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Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to consolidating achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities while remaining steadfast in protecting the nation’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

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