The Port Harcourt Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Onne, Rivers State, has recorded a significant revenue milestone, generating N550.43 billion since January 2024. This figure, which represents 89% of the command’s annual target of N618 billion, reflects the success of ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement and trade facilitation at the port.
The command has also been proactive in combating illicit trade, which has resulted in the recent seizure of 21 containers carrying prohibited items, with a duty-paid value of over N46.84 billion.
Among these, customs officials intercepted 20 units of 40-foot containers filled with illicit drugs and a 20-foot container of illegally trafficked donkey skin.
Addressing the media, the Controller of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, detailed the scope of the seized goods, which include large quantities of dangerous pharmaceuticals and counterfeit products.
These seized items encompass 2.6 million bottles of codeine cough syrup, over 27 million tablets of Tramadol, and 7.6 million counterfeit antibiotics, all posing severe health risks to the public. In addition, the team uncovered various other items used for concealment, including “chilly cutter” devices, sanitary fittings, and waste connectors, as well as 2,100 pieces of donkey skin valued at N441 million.
Babandede noted that this crackdown follows the state of emergency declared at the seaport in September by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. The state of emergency has enhanced the command’s operational effectiveness and allowed closer collaboration with partner agencies like the NDLEA, DSS, Quarantine, and NAFDAC. Together, they have increased vigilance at the port, deterring traffickers and ensuring that dangerous substances are intercepted before they reach the public.
This year alone, the command has seized 63 containers containing arms, ammunition, and a vast number of counterfeit drugs, all valued at N130.56 billion. The Controller emphasised that these seizures reinforce the commitment to uphold national security and public safety by enforcing customs laws, which include the Common External Tariff guidelines and the revised Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023.
Beyond enforcement, the command also leverages the World Customs Organization’s Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance trade facilitation, which has contributed to the efficient processing and revenue growth witnessed this year. In terms of exports, the command has processed 2.43 million metric tonnes of goods valued at $826.6 million (FOB), demonstrating a balanced focus on both security and trade facilitation.
Comptroller Babandede acknowledged the essential role of the media in raising awareness and fostering compliance with trade regulations, underscoring that public education is vital to maintaining lawful import and export practices.
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