The Onne Area II Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has seized 20 containers of contraband goods worth over N10.2B in its first (1st) quarter of the year analysis.
Briefing newsmen at the Command’s Warehouse in Onne Seaport, Rivers State today, 16th April, 2025; the Command’s Area Comptroller, Mr. Mohammed Babandede, described Nigeria Customs Service as a vital government agency that contributes to the country’s economic development and security.
He maintained that the Customs Service is a significant source of revenue for the government, through the collection of import duties and levies, adding that the Service also ensures compliance with Customs laws and government policies on international trade.
Speaking on anti-smuggling, the CAC said: “It is important to know that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society. Worthy of note is the fact that perpetrating any act of illegal activity is criminal and remains punishable under the Nigeria Customs extant laws, with the legal consequence of being punishable with either a fine or imprisonment, or both, as the case may be.
“The impact of the influx of illicit drugs can lead to increased rates of crime, substance abuse, addiction, and health-related issues in the communities. Hence, there is a need to nip it in the bud.
“A total of 20 containers were seized from January to March 2025p namely;
1 X 40ft Container TLLU6901759 STC 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter
1 X 40ft Container MRKU 2117319 STC 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares
2 X 40ft Containers MRKU4875853 & TCNU2623453 STC 271,000 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100ml each), 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with Codeine (100ml), 1,200 pieces of Cock and 94 cartons of sanitary wares and 21 cartons of TBS rubber
4 X 20ft containers PCIU0094329, PCIU1014858, PCIU1367243, & PCIU00229679 STC 64,416 X (400mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste, 16,104 X (200mg each) tins of Soupy Tomato Paste.
“1 X 40ft Container MEDU7751984 STC 280 bales of used clothes and 2 cartons of toys
6 X 20ft Containers MEDU6909397, TGBU3174254, CAIU6719204, TTNU1932358, GLDU5050514 & MEDU2120820 STC 6,300 X (25litres each) Jerry cans of Delicieux Cooking Oil
2 X 20ft Containers GLDU3216822 & MEDU1266507 STC 2,100 Jerry cans of Super Gold Vegetable Cooking Oil (25ltrs each)
1 X 40ft TCKU7701615 STC 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X, 4,830,000 Capsules of Pregabalin (300mg each) and 288 cartons of WC
1X 40ft container MSMU5925355 STC 320 bales of used clothes
1 X 40ft container TCKU 6160305 STC 360 bales of used clothing, 2 bags of personal effects and 1 box of personal effects.
“These seizures are products of courage, bravery, high level of integrity, and the self-determined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance; exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks and professionalism.
“The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the seized goods presented is worth Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Fourty Naira (N10, 293,677,040.00).” the Area Comptroller stated.
On revenue, Comptr. Babandede said: “The sum of One Hundred and Ninety Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-nine Million, Two Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-seven Naira, Fourty-two Kobo (N190, 569,212,397.42) was collected as revenue during the first quarter (January-March) of the year 2025. During the first quarter of the year 2024, a total of One Hundred and Sixty-two Billion, Seven Hundred and Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Five Hundred Sixty-one Naira, Fourty-eight Kobo (N162, 705,313,561.48) was collected. This shows a remarkable improvement with a difference of Twenty Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-four Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Fourty-two Naira, Sixty-one Kobo (N27, 864,668,442.61); this represents a 17.12% increase against the first quarter of 2024.
While on Export, the Area Comptroller stated that: “The Command exported 1.274, 695MTS comprising of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals. The total products exported stood at a value of Two Billion, Three Hundred and Fourty-five Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-two Naira (2,345,268,122).
One the area of Trade Facilitation, Comptr. Babandede was of the view that: “The Nigeria Customs Service is making significant strides in trade facilitation through its modernization project. This initiative integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system. This Command leveraged this project with yielding remarkable results, which include the efficient release of containers.
“We trained stakeholders on the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System in order to understand the modality of its operation for efficiency in the clearing procedure and better revenue collection.”
Speaking further on the handing over of Donkey skin, the Area II Command Comptroller said: “In our continued effort to collaborate with all agencies of government for better results in service delivery. I am handing over a 1x20ft Container found to contain donkey skin meant for export to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service.
“I hereby, express my profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc (+) and members of the management team for providing the enabling environment to work successively. I also appreciate the officers and men of the Command for their enabling support, teamwork and dedication towards achieving these great feats.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its role in contributing to the country’s economic development and security. I urge compliant stakeholders to sustain their partnership and cooperation with the Service in achieving its goals. On behalf of the officers and men of the Command, I sincerely commend our esteemed compliant stakeholders for being partners in progress.” The CAC noted.
