Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State has generated a staggering N249.7 billion in revenue between January and May 2024, surpassing its initial target for first half, H1, 2024.
According to Customs Area Controller, Onne Port, Mohammed Babandede, the revenue represents 40.4percent of the Command’s revised target of N618 billion for 2024.
Babandede attributed the success to collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and other stakeholders.
He said the feat was achieved through the seizure of seven containers carrying contraband goods worth N3.1 billion, and vowed to sustain the synergy to achieve more breakthroughs, warning that there is no hiding place for economic saboteurs.
“At the end of May 2024, the Command had generated a total revenue of N249,752,268,298.28, which translates to 40.3% of the current annual target. Compared to the same period last year, the Command had an increase in revenue generation of N153,213,700,450.15.
“It is worth noting that despite the NLC strike, Democracy Day and Sallah holiday, as of this morning, the Command has generated N43,430,267,210.00 in June 2024. We look forward to the continuous rise in revenue generation in the coming months, and we are optimistic that we will surpass the annual target by the end of the year.”
On anti-smuggling activities, Babandede said the Command intercepted six containers for violations of various customs laws and breach of procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines of the Common External Tariff 2022-2026, as well as Sections 233, 234, 235, 245, 246 of Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Also, today, we have on display a seized Container of used electronics which has turned into e-waste. As you are aware of the environmental effect such waste poses to human lives. For disposal, we shall be working with NESREA in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation synergy and in line with sections 119 & 245 of the NCS Act 2023 to have it disposed.
“The seized items include; 4×20 feet containers laden with bales of secondhand clothing, lace and fabrics (96 jumbo sizes in total); 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of Sildenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter.
“Based on concealment, false declaration, contravention of revised import prohibition guideline and section 55 Sub-section (1) paragraphs (C) and (I) of NCS Act 2023). All with a Duty Paid Value N3,188,454,452.
According to the Area Controller, the content of these importations contravenes the provision of the law, which prohibits and restricts certain goods to protect public health and safety.
He stated that the seizures were made purely from intelligence gathered and information sharing with a sister agency alongside 100percent physical examination.
“I want also to use this opportunity to thank the NDLEA for their collaboration and inter-agency cooperation, as seizures of this magnitude could not have been possible without their involvement.”
