…Denies connivance with owners of bonded warehouses
From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, said it generated N249,752,268,298.28, as at the end of May, 2024.
Specifically, it said that from June 1 till date, the Command has generated N43,430,267,210.00.
Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, made the disclosure when briefed journalists on Friday, on the successes recorded by the Command since he assumed duty in April, this year.
Comptroller Babandede noted the initial target of N494 billion which was given to the Command to generate before it was reviewed a fortnight ago to N618 billion.
He said the N249,752,268,298.28 generated as at the end of May, translated to 50.4 percent of the initial target and 40.3 percent of the current annual target.
The Controller stated: “When compared to the same period last year (2023), the Command had an increase in revenue generation of N153,213,700,450.15.
“It is worthy to note that despite the NLC (Nigeria Labour Congress) strike, Democracy Day and Sallah holiday, as at this morning (Friday), the Command has generated N43,430,267,210.00.
“We look forward to continuous rise in revenue generation in the coming months and we are optimistic that we would surpass the annual target by the end of the year.”
On anti-smuggling activities, the Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, said they made seizure of six containers for violations or contraventions of various Customs laws and breach of procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines.
The seized containers and items displayed were four 4×20 feet containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics; that is, 96 jumbo size in total with Duty Paid Value of N911,520,011.00.
Also seized were 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup Codeine, 80 cartons of Sildenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter with Duty Paid Value of N2,250,654,000.00.
According to Comptroller Babandede, the seizures were based on concealment, false declaration, contravention of revised import prohibition guideline and Section 55 sub-section (1) paragraphs (C) and (I) of NCS Act 2023.
He said: “The content of these importations contravenes the provision of the law, which prohibits and restricts certain goods for the protection of the public health and safety.
“Put together, the total Duty Paid Value of the seven seized containers stands at N3,188,454,450.00.
Babandede added: “Let me state here that the above seizures were made purely from intelligence gathered and information sharing with sister agency alongside 100 percent physical examination.
Meanwhile, the Command has denied the allegation of NCS officers in Onne of connivance with operators of Bonded Terminals to transfer containers to Bonded Terminals.
According to Comptroller Babandede, transfer of consignment to Bonded Terminal is not done without the knowledge of the importer.
He explained: “Firstly, the importer has to stipulate the Bonded Terminal or port that will be the final destination right at the country of exportation which is always indicated on the Bill of Laden and is transmitted via the shipping companies to the sea port which the vessel will berth.
“This negates the erroneous believe that Onne officers connive with operators of Bonded Terminals to transfer containers to Bonded Terminals.”