By Bon Peter
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing its 2024 revenue target by 103%. The Command also intercepted 12 containers of illicit drugs valued at ₦20.3 billion, concealed in various items.
This achievement was disclosed during a press briefing on Tuesday by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, at Onne, Rivers State.
Highlights of Seizures
Speaking at the event, Comptroller Babandede provided a detailed breakdown of the contraband items intercepted:
- 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine
- 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac
- 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal Apple Tramadol and Tramaking
- 3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings used for concealment
- 840 pieces of chilly cutters used for concealment
- 153 cartons of TVS rubber
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was put at ₦20,309,890,800.
Commitment to Public Health and Security
Comptroller Babandede emphasized the Command’s commitment to combating smuggling and illicit trade, stating:
“This seizure demonstrates our unwavering resolve to protect public health, uphold import regulations, and secure the nation. The efforts of our officers and men remain focused on safeguarding the lives and well-being of Nigerians.”
He also expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the media, for their collaboration in supporting anti-smuggling efforts, noting, “Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.”
Revenue and Anti-Smuggling Achievements
Babandede revealed that the Command was tasked with generating ₦618 billion in 2024. By December 31, it had generated ₦634 billion, exceeding the target by ₦16 billion. This marks a 98% increase compared to 2023, when ₦321 billion was collected.
In anti-smuggling operations, the Command recorded 76 container seizures in 2024, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, vegetable oil, footwear, donkey skin, and used clothing, with a DPV of ₦150.87 billion.
Export Milestones
On the export front, the Command processed 2,707,339.22 metric tonnes of goods, including sesame seeds, aluminum ingots, granular urea, wheat bran, and orange peel. These exports had a Free on Board (FOB) value of $952,986,490.99, equivalent to ₦1.26 trillion.
Recognition and Promotions
Babandede acknowledged the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for recognizing the Command’s achievements. Eight officers were given special promotions for their role in intercepting 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition in September 2024.
Additionally, 80 officers from the Area 2 Command were promoted in the 2024 general promotion exercise, including 14 Deputy Comptrollers elevated to Comptrollers, and others rising through various ranks.
Looking Ahead
The Customs Area Controller concluded by expressing optimism for 2025, stating, “These results reflect our dedication and the purposeful engagement of stakeholders. We aim for even greater achievements in the coming year.”
Bon Peters, reporting from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.