The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area 11 Command in Onne, Rivers state, has witnessed a remarkable increase in revenue collection, reaching over N249 billion from January to May 2024.
Additionally, the command successfully seized six containers of contraband goods valued at over N3 billion during the same period.
According to Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller, the command was initially given a revenue target of N494 billion, which was later revised to N618 billion for the year 2024. As of the end of May, the command had generated N249,752,268,298.28, which accounts for 50.4% of the initial target and 40.3% of the current annual target. This represents a significant increase of N153,213,700,450.15 compared to the same period last year.
Despite the challenges posed by the NLC strike, Democracy Day, and Sallah holidays, the command generated an additional N43,430,267,210.00 in the month of June 2024. Comptroller Babandede expressed optimism that the command will continue to surpass the revenue targets in the coming months and achieve remarkable results by the end of the year.
In addition to revenue generation, the command has also intensified its anti-smuggling efforts. Six containers containing various contraband items, including clothing, lace, fabrics, cough syrup codeine, Sildenatil Citrate tablets, and deluxe chilly cutter, were seized. The total Duty Paid Value of the seized containers amounts to N3,188,454,452.
Comptroller Babandede emphasized that the seizures were made possible through intelligence gathering, information sharing with sister agencies, and 100% physical examination. The command is working closely with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to dispose of a seized container of e-waste, highlighting the importance of inter-agency cooperation.
Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the culprits behind the smuggling activities, and the seized containers will be filed for condemnation at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt. Comptroller Babandede reaffirmed the command’s commitment to leveraging synergy, collaboration, and intelligence sharing with sister agencies and stakeholders to enhance revenue collection and combat smuggling.
The Nigeria Customs Service plays a crucial role in trade facilitation, ensuring streamlined procedures for imports and exports. Comptroller Babandede clarified that the final destination for clearing consignments into the country is determined by the importer and indicated on the Bill of Lading. He debunked the misconception that Onne officers collude with bonded terminal operators to transfer containers, emphasizing the adherence to strict procedures.
Comptroller Babandede warned those involved in illicit trade through bonded terminals to refrain from such activities, as the command will not hesitate to arrest and forfeit their goods to the Federal Government. He expressed gratitude to the media for their role in sensitization and public enlightenment and urged them to continue educating the public while the command focuses on enhancing its performance.
