Follow Us on Google
From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 2 Command, based in Onne, Rivers State, has reported impressive revenue figures for July 2024, with a total of N48,056,806,692.00 generated. This remarkable performance underscores the Command’s significant role in national revenue collection.
In a briefing held on Thursday in Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller of the Area 2 Command, provided an overview of the Command’s achievements. He revealed that during the first half of the year, the Command generated a substantial N312 billion, representing 50.5 percent of its annual revenue target.
Babandede elaborated, “As of this morning, our revenue for July has reached N48,056,806,692.00, with five working days still remaining in the month. This figure illustrates our continuous effort to meet and exceed our revenue targets.”
He also highlighted recent developments concerning the enforcement of import regulations. Following a visit by the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who issued a stern warning against the importation of contraband goods, the Command made significant seizures. These included seven 40-foot containers filled with drugs valued at N11,200,000,000.00.
Other News
Babandede expressed his concern about persistent smuggling activities despite the CGC’s warning. “Unfortunately, some individuals continue to undermine our importation processes and guidelines,” he said.
“Nevertheless, we remain resolute in our mission to safeguard our nation’s economic and security interests.”
The Comptroller also commended the Command’s collaborative efforts with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). In response to credible intelligence, the Command, in conjunction with the NDLEA’s Onne Port Chapter, identified and examined the suspicious containers. The findings included 1,054,400 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine, 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 2,175,000 Hyergra tablets, and 1,300,000 Really Extra Diclofenac tablets. The total value of these seized goods is estimated at N11,200,000,000.00.
Babandede noted, “The seizures represent a significant loss for those involved, despite the severe penalties they face. The confiscated items will be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.”
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to enhancing its revenue collection while upholding public health and safety. “The Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the current Comptroller General, remains steadfast in its resolve to prevent actions that compromise our nation’s economy and security. We are dedicated to increasing our revenue profile and protecting public health,” Babandede concluded.
