The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, said it generated N634 billion in from January to December 2024, above the annual target for the area.
The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this on Tuesday, while speaking with journalists in Onne, Eleme local government area of Rivers State.
The Area 2 Command recorded 76 container seizures in 2024, which included arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, footwear, donkey skin, used clothing, and other uncustomed goods.
These seizures had a duty-paid value of N150.8 billion, further solidifying the Command’s reputation as a leader in anti-smuggling operations.
The Comptroller said this year’s record surpassed its annual revenue target of N618 billion, generating a record-breaking N634 billion. This represented 103 percent of the target and a 98 percent increase over 2023 figures.
He said the Command with the current achievement ended 2024 on a high note, while announcing the seizure of 12 containers of illicit drugs and other prohibited items with a duty-paid value of N20,309,890,800.
Babandede, speaking on the seized products, said the Command’s dedication to public health and national security was unwavering.
“This latest seizure underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of Nigerians while upholding the integrity of our ports.
“The officers and men of the Onne Command have worked tirelessly to ensure that illicit drugs and harmful goods do not enter our country,” Babandede stated.
THISDAY observed during the display of the seized containers and products yesterday, that the intercepted items included 1,721,100 bottles of codeine cough syrup, 510,000 tablets of Diclofenac, 7.1 million tablets of Tramadol, as well as sanitary fittings, chilly cutters, and other concealed goods.
The comptroller expressed “Our success in anti-smuggling is a reflection of the teamwork and resilience of our officers,”
He said. “The recognition we received as the Best Command in Anti-Smuggling Operations this year is a testament to our dedication.”
He added that eight officers of the Command were given special promotions by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for their role in the interception of 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition earlier in the year.
In addition to its anti-smuggling efforts, the Command processed 2.7 million metric tonnes of agro and mineral resources for export, including sesame seeds, aluminum ingots, and granular urea. The Free on Board (FOB) value of these exports was $952.98 million (N1.26 trillion).
“Our export performance shows that Onne Port is a critical driver of non-oil export growth, and we are proud to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts,” Babandede added.
The Command also exceeded its 2024 revenue target, generating N634 billion, which Babandede described as a remarkable achievement.
“This is a result of stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and intelligence sharing. We have shown that with purposeful actions, we can achieve extraordinary results,” he noted.
Babandede mentioned the promotion of 90 officers in 2024, with 14 Deputy Comptrollers elevated to Comptrollers and several others promoted across various ranks.
“These promotions are a well-deserved reward for the hard work and dedication of our officers. It boosts morale and motivates us to achieve even more,” he noted.
He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders this new year.
“We achieved these results through synergy and partnership. I urge everyone;importers, exporters, the media, and the public to continue supporting our efforts. Together, we can achieve a safer and healthier nation,” he added.
Blessing Ibunge
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