Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Controller of Nigeria’s Area 2 Command at Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, disclosed significant seizures made at the port, following a three-month state of emergency.
Comptroller Babandede’s briefing on Monday highlighted the ongoing measures to prevent illegal imports, which aim to protect public health and ensure national security.
Babandede recalled that on September 4, 2024, the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, showcased earlier seizures of 12 containers holding illicit goods. In response to escalating threats, the Area 2 Command implemented emergency powers to inspect all suspicious containers, even without the presence of their owners, to prevent the smuggling of illegal substances.
This strategy has yielded further significant results, including the seizure of 21 containers filled with dangerous items: over 2.6 million bottles of cough syrup with codeine, 33 million tablets of fake Lemotil, and 27 million tablets of unregistered tramadol.
Also included were 2,100 pieces of smuggled donkey skin, highlighting a disturbing trade in endangered species. The duty-paid value of the recent seizures amounts to over ₦46.4 billion.
The Controller noted that the seizures reflect Nigeria Customs Service’s resolve to curb illegal drug trafficking and protect the public from counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
“The state of emergency implemented by the CGC has bolstered our capacity to act swiftly and efficiently against threats to national security,” Babandede stated.
In total, the Area 2 Command has intercepted 63 containers containing illegal weapons, including 844 rifles and over 112,500 rounds of ammunition. These seizures, valued at ₦130.5 billion, represent a determined effort to enforce Nigeria’s import guidelines and protect citizens from contraband.
Babandede further highlighted the Command’s achievements in trade facilitation and revenue generation. Using the World Customs Organization’s Time Release Study, the Command has streamlined processes to improve revenue. As of November, it has collected over ₦550 billion—89% of its annual target of ₦618 billion.
The Area 2 Command also plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s exports, processing over 2.4 million metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $826.6 million, promoting economic growth and a favorable trade balance.
In closing, Comptroller Babandede commended the media’s role in raising public awareness of trade laws and encouraged continued collaboration to foster voluntary compliance.