Onne customs exceeds revenue target in 2024, seizes illicit goods
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne, has concluded the year 2024 with exceptional accomplishments, surpassing its revenue target and achieving significant successes in its anti-smuggling operations.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), stated the Command’s achievements over the past year.
“I am pleased to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne, has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade,” he stated.
The Command’s anti-smuggling efforts led to the seizure of 12 40-foot containers of illicit medicines, underscoring their commitment to protecting public health and enforcing Nigeria’s import regulations.
Comptroller Babandede elaborated, “Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguard public health, ensuring the security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.”
A detailed breakdown of the seized items includes:1,721,000 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine510,000 tablets of 50mg Extra Diclofenac7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal Apple Tramadol and Tramaking3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings used for concealment840 pieces of chilly cutters used for concealment153 cartons of TVS rubber, all with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦20.31 billion.
In terms of revenue, the Command generated ₦634 billion, exceeding its annual target of ₦618 billion by 3%. Comptroller Babandede stated, “I am glad to inform you that as of this morning, the Command, with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of ₦634 billion Naira.
“The Command also recorded significant successes in anti-smuggling operations, confiscating 76 containers of contraband, including arms, ammunition, illicit medicines, and other prohibited items, with a DPV of ₦150.87 billion.Comptroller Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support, which has enhanced the morale of officers.
“Let me use this opportunity to especially appreciate the CGC, who in September this year promised to reward Officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the interception of 844 units of rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition. In keeping his promise, a total of eight officers of the Command were given special promotions,” he revealed.
As the Command looks forward to 2025, Comptroller Babandede reiterated the benefits of sustained stakeholder engagement and collaborative efforts to build on the year’s successes.