The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt 11 Command, Onne has announced a total revenue generation of N190.5billion between January and March 2025.
The command said it also seized a total of 20 containers comprising illicit drugs, vegetable oil, used clothes and other prohibited items worth N10.2 billion within the review period.
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Muhammed Babandede who disclosed this during the command’s first quarter media briefing on Wednesday said the revenue figure shows a remarkable improvement with a difference of N27. 8billion, representing 17.12% increase when compared to the first quarter of 2024 revenue collection of N162.7 billion.
He said the command also exported 1.274, 695 metric tonnes comprising of mostly agricultural products and solid minerals valued at N2. 34billion.
Giving a break down of the seized containers, Comptroller Babandede said they include one 40 foot container TLLU6901759 STC containing 158,400 bottles of Codeine Syrup (100mls each) and 11,690 pieces of Chilly Cutter, one 40 foot Container containing 158,400 bottles of Barcadin with Codeine Syrup (100ml each) and 240 pieces of Local Sanitary Wares.
Others are,: “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.”
The Customs boss described the importation of illicit drugs and other prohibited wares into the country as 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, ” he said.
He said the 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.
On trade facilitation, Comptroller Babandede said the Service is making significant strides through its modernization project, which he said integrates various applications, platforms, and hardware into a comprehensive import and export management system.
“This Command leveraged this project with yielding remarkable results which includes 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.
“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, ” he said.
Babandede expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and members of the management team for providing the enabling environment to work successively.
He also lauded the officers and men of the Command for their enabling support, teamwork and dedication towards achieving the great feats.
He reiterated the NCS ‘s committment to its role in contributing to the country’s economic development and security, urging 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, ” he concluded.
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