…Records N312bn Revenue in Six Months
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in collaboration with Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) and other Sister Agencies recorded significant breakthrough by successfully intercepting billions of illicit items concealed in seven (7) containers.
Addressing journalists on activities of the Command on Thursday 25,July 2024, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babandede Mohammed revealed that the seizures made is valued at Eleven billion, Two million naira (₦11,002,000,000).
“A huge loss on the part of the perpetrators apart from the jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation. It is worrisome that some Nigerians remain unrepentant even as they continue to lose,” Comptroller Babandede said.
To him, despite the riot act read by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on July 1, 2024 at the Command’s Headquarters, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures in the country.
“Notwithstanding, the Command has continued to step up its security function in the area of policing the Country’s Sea Port in such a way that those who do not wish the nation well will not have their way.
“In line with the CGC policy thrust of Collaboration and Consolidation the Command on receipt of creditable intelligence on some 40 feet containers sprang into action. In collaboration with National Drug law Enforcement Agency, Onne Port Chapter these containers were Identified, positioned and jointly examined in the presence of sister agencies, and a total of Seven (7) Containers were seized as they contain illicit items,” he said.
Comptroller Babandede highlighted content of the Containers to include – 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml); 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter; 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg); 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg).
He said the Seized Cough Syrup Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the NDLEA in due course for further investigation.
“We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation,” he added.
In the area of Revenue, Comptroller Babandede disclosed that the Command in the first half of year 2024, generated a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (₦312,094,367,124.58) into government coffer, which translate to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the Command.
“As at July 25, 2024 morning the Command has generated Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira ₦48,056,806,692.00 in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month. We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety,” he stated.
