The Area 2 Command, Onne of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it facilitated ₦1,261,039,933,168.99 trillion worth of export in year 2024.
The major commodities exported include agro and mineral resources namely; sesame seeds, aluminum ingot, granular urea in bulk, wheat bran, orange peel among others – and a total of 2,707,339.22 Metric tonnes of goods with a free on board (FOB) value of $952,986,490.99.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the command’s end of the year activities on Tuesday noted that it intercepted 12 containers of illicit medicine worth ₦20 billion within two months.
Comptroller Babandede stated that the Command exceeded its 2024 target, recording a revenue of ₦634 billion, thereby surpassing the ₦618 billion target, which in turn account for 98% increase compared to the revenue generated in 2023.
His words: “It is imperative I acquaint you with all the successes we achieved throughout the year 2024 as today marks the last day of the year. Since our last engagement on the 11th of November 2024, I am pleased to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade.
“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 safeguarding public health, ensuring security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations. This also justifies our commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.”
He noted that the Duty Paid Value of the 12 containers is ₦20,309,890,800, with the breakdown comprising 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, and 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking.
Others are 3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware Fittings used for concealment, 840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment and 153 cartons of TVS rubber.
“This latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drug and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility. Our efforts are geared toward securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne, port axis.
“We appreciate the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media, in amplifying our message and efforts to combat smuggling. Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.
“It is worth noting that the morale and dedication of our officers have been significantly bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ award, recognizing Area 2 Command as the best Command in anti-smuggling operations. This honor has further strengthened our resolve, and I assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians,” he stated.
The Comptroller expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stressing that he had earlier in September promised to reward officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the Interception of 844 units of riffles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.
He added: “In keeping to his promise a total of Eight (8) Officers of the Command were given special promotion. Earlier in the year the Command was given a revenue target of 618 billion naira. I am glad to inform you that as at this morning the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpass the target given by generating a total revenue of 634 billion Naira which accounts for 103% of the annual target.
“This amount is over the 2023 collection by 321 billion Naira and represents 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue. In the area of anti-smuggling the Command made a total of 76 container seizures comprising of arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used cloths among others uncustomed goods used as concealment with a duty paid value of ₦150,872,551,207.”
