ANLCA Chieftain, Mike Ebeatu Dismisses Allegations of Extortion at Onne Customs as Baseless
By Bon Peters – Port Harcourt
A prominent member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and immediate past chairman of the Onne Seaport Chapter, Mr. Mike Ebeatu, has strongly refuted recent media reports alleging continued extortion of clearing agents at the Onne Customs Command in Rivers State.
Ebeatu, speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, described the allegations as “baseless, misleading, and a figment of the author’s imagination,” stressing that the report—allegedly credited to a Lagos-based journalist and a little-known group called the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA)—was an attempt to smear the reputation of the Onne Area 2 Customs Command and its leadership.
“I wouldn’t have responded to such a ridiculous claim,” Ebeatu said, “but it is important to set the record straight for the sake of importers, agents, and the general public, especially those who might be swayed by falsehoods spread by self-serving individuals seeking cheap popularity.”
He described the purported group behind the report as “nonexistent,” stating that no such association operates at the Onne Port. Ebeatu emphasized his long-standing collaboration with the current Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, and praised his achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation.
“Since Comptroller Babandede assumed office, he has prioritized due process and compliance, holding regular stakeholder engagements to foster transparency and collaboration at the port,” Ebeatu stated.
He went further to commend the customs leadership for massive seizures of arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and other contraband, which he said are evidence of the controller’s zero tolerance for smuggling.
“Under his leadership, the command has consistently surpassed revenue targets. It is unfair and misleading for anyone to attack such a dedicated officer whose contributions have brought pride to the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
Ebeatu also noted that the improved synergy between the Onne Customs Command and other government agencies has significantly boosted efficiency at the port, enabling officers to detect hidden cargo and enforce compliance more effectively.
He acknowledged that clearing tariffs have increased but urged those affected to pursue constructive dialogue, noting that customs operations are guided by federal fiscal policies, especially directives from the Ministry of Finance.
In conclusion, Ebeatu called on stakeholders to focus on nation-building rather than attempting to tarnish the image of public institutions through unfounded allegations.