Onne Customs Command Achieves 89% Revenue Target, Seizes 21 Containers of Illicit Drugs
By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area II Command in Onne, Rivers State, has recorded a remarkable 89% of its 2024 revenue target of ₦618 billion, having generated ₦550.43 billion as of November 11, 2024.
The Command also announced significant progress in its anti-smuggling efforts, with the seizure of 21 containers of illicit drugs and donkey skin, valued at a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦46 billion.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Onne Port on Monday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, attributed the achievements to intensified intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and rigorous physical examinations.
“You will recall that on 4th September 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was at Onne Port to showcase notable seizures by the diligent officers of the Area II Command. These included 12 containers of contraband goods intercepted through coordinated efforts,” Babandede said.
He revealed that heightened security concerns over contraband smuggling had prompted a three-month state of emergency, granting the Command authority to scrutinise all suspicious containers. This proactive approach, he emphasised, has bolstered their capacity to prevent the inflow of illegal substances.
In a detailed breakdown of the latest seizures, Babandede disclosed that the 21 containers included:
- Illicit Drugs:
- 2,624,053 bottles of 100ml cough syrup containing codeine
- 27,048,900 tablets of 225mg Royal Tapentadol/Tramadol
- 7,665,000 tablets of counterfeit gonorrhoea antibiotics
- 33,840,000 tablets of fake loperamide
- Other counterfeit medicines and pharmaceutical products
- Donkey Skin:
- 2,100 pieces of illegally sourced donkey hides
The DPV of the confiscated items totals ₦46.4 billion, with the donkey skin valued at ₦441 million.
“These seizures underscore our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and security. The state of emergency declared by the CGC has proven instrumental in enhancing operational effectiveness,” Babandede remarked.
He further disclosed that since the start of the year, the Command has intercepted 63 containers, including 844 rifles, 112,500 live ammunition rounds, and over 56 million tablets of illicit drugs. The cumulative DPV of all seizures stands at ₦130.56 billion.
On export activities, Babandede highlighted the Command’s role in facilitating trade, processing 2,436,408.33 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $826.6 million.
“Our export operations contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and balancing the trade deficit. The FOB value reflects our commitment to promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports,” he stated.
In terms of revenue generation, the Command has leveraged the World Customs Organization’s Time Release Study (TRS) tool to streamline operations. “As of today, the Command has generated ₦550.43 billion, representing 89% of the annual revenue target. This is a testament to the dedication of our officers and the efficiency of our systems,” Babandede added.
The event concluded with the handover of seized items to regulatory agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Babandede thanked the media for their critical role in sensitising the public and fostering compliance with trade regulations.
The Onne Command continues to set benchmarks in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, further cementing its role as a key player in Nigeria’s economic and security landscape.
