By Bon Peter
The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Area 11 Command Onne Rivers State said it has surpassed its 2024 annual revenue target by 103%, even as the Command succeeded in intercepting 12 containers of illicit drugs worth over N20.30 billion concealed in various items.
This was made known Tuesday during a press briefing by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede at Onne Rivers State.
Addressing journalists he said: ”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 however, gave breakdown to include,
” 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine,
510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac,
7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking,
3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware Fittings used for concealment,
840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment and
153 cartons of TVS rubber.”
According to him, the Duty paid Value of the twelve containers was ₦20,309,890,800.
Continuing, Babandede noted that the latest seizure underscored the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drug and other harmful goods did not find their way into the country through Command’s area of responsibility insisting that the efforts of his officers and men were geared toward securing the health and safety of the citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne, Port axis.
Showing appreciation for the collaboration his command was getting, he said “we appreciate the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media, in amplifying our message and efforts to combat smuggling”. Emphasising that “together, we can build a safer and healthier nation”.
He added, “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.” Even as he insisted that “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 used the opportunity to appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, whom he said in September 2024 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 noting that in keeping to his promise a total of Eight (8) Officers of the Command were given special promotion.
Compt Babandede, further stated that earlier last year, the Command was given a revenue target of 618 billion naira but was glad to inform the press that as at 31st morning of December 2024, the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, had surpass the target given, by generating a total revenue of 634 billion Naira which accounts for 103% of the annual target.
He said: “this amount is over the 2023 collection by 321 billion Naira and represents 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue.”
He concluded by saying “these are just few of the results achieved with purposeful engagement of our stakeholders and partners this year we look forward to a more result oriented 2025.”
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