Specifically, the local producers are accusing the Benin Republic of importing palm oil more than it needs from Malaysia and exporting the surplus to Nigeria at the expense of the latter’s socio-economic gains. That is apart from the smuggling of vegetable oil (which is banned in Nigeria), rice and tomato paste, to mention a few. Regionally, in 2018, Nigeria produced 1,015,000 tonnes while the local demand was 1,340,000. Togo’s demand was 190,000 tonnes of palm oil in 2018, its production was 9,000, its deficit was 181,000 tonnes. The country’s import was 230,000 and its export was 50,000 tonnes, also implying that it indulges in re-export to Nigeria.

Source: The Guardian July 01, 2019 04:30 UTC