Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the seizure of illicit goods worth over ₦31.2 billion at the Onne Port, Rivers State. This development has prompted the declaration of a state of emergency at the port, as the agency intensifies its efforts to combat the rising threat of illegal imports, which pose significant risks to national security and public health.
In a press conference held at the Onne Port, Comptroller-General Adeniyi highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that recent intelligence and operations have uncovered a troubling pattern. Criminal networks are increasingly using Onne Port as a hub for smuggling dangerous and prohibited items into the country.
“The policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports. However, it is disheartening that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches,” Adeniyi stated.
Among the seizures showcased were twelve containers packed with military-grade boots, pharmaceuticals, and other illicit goods. Notably, the seized items include 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots. Over 1.8 million bottles of cough syrup containing codeine. Millions of tablets of various controlled substances, including Tramadol and Tapentadol.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted goods was calculated at ₦31,200,688,142.
Adeniyi emphasized that these seizures were the result of meticulous intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and thorough inspections conducted by the Area 2 Command officers. He also stressed the importance of public cooperation in combating these illegal activities, urging Nigerians to provide any information that could help prevent future breaches.
To address the escalating situation, the NCS has implemented emergency protocols at Onne Port, which include mandatory inspections of all suspect containers over the next three months. This measure, while temporary, is aimed at restoring the port’s integrity and ensuring the safety of legitimate trade.
The seized pharmaceuticals, which include potentially dangerous substances, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for proper disposal, in line with existing legal frameworks.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi assured the business community that these measures are not intended to disrupt lawful trade but to safeguard the nation from the threats posed by illegal imports.
He reiterated the NCS’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of Nigerians and warned that anyone found complicit in these crimes would face severe legal consequences.