Onne customs command intercepts contraband worth N3b
…generates N249b as at May 2024
From Chris Eze, Port Harcourt
Nigeria Customs Service Area 2 command, Onne, Rivers State has intercepted seven containers laden with contraband with total Duty Paid Value of N3, 188,454,452.
The command has also garnered total revenue of N249, 752,268,298.28 as at May, 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, CAC, of the command, Mohammed Babandede disclosed this on Friday while briefing the press on the activities of the command since he assumed office at the Area 2 command in April this year.
Babandede stated that the command was initially given a revenue target ofN495 billion for this year, but later reviewed a fortnight ago to N618 billion.
“As at the end of May, 2024, the command had generated total revenue of two hundred and forty-nine billion, seven hundred and fifty-two million, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand, two hundred and ninety-eight naira, twenty eight kobo which translates to 50.4% of the initial target and 40.3% of the current annual target.
“When compared to the same period last year, the command had an increase in revenue generation of one hundred and fifty-three billion, two hundred and thirteen million, seven hundred thousand, four hundred and fifty naira, fifteen kobo, (N153,213,700,450.15.”, the CAC said.
He added that despite the NLC strike, the Democracy Day and Sallah public holidays which all took place this June, the command as at the time of the briefing has generated forty three billion, four hundred and thirty million, two hundred and sixty seven thousand, two hundred and ten naira, (N43, 430,267,210.00) in the month of June, 2024.
The CAC gave the breakdown of the 7 seized containers as (4)x20 feet containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics, i.e (96 jumbo size in total) with Duty Paid Value of N911,520,011.00, (2)x40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of Silddenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter with Duty Paid Value of N2,250, 654,000.00.
He said that the seventh container was laden with used electronics often referred to as e-waste, adding that the command would work with the National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency, (NESREA) in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation and in line with section 119 & 245 of the Nigeria Customs Act 2023 to have the e-waste disposed.
Babandede further disclosed that the containers are currently in the Custom’s Government Warehouse waiting for filing for condemnation at the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt for eventual forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He restated the commitment of the custom’s command to continue to address its core responsibilities by employing various risk management strategies aimed at collecting revenue, identifying vulnerable leakages, gathering intelligence and facilitating trade.
The CAC said, “We cannot but underscore the necessity and imperativeness of leveraging on synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing with sister agencies and stakeholders as it enhances our revenue drive and anti-smuggling feats”
He specifically commended the authorities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) for their collaboration which facilitated the magnitude of the seizures recorded.
The Customs Controller also used the occasion to dispel insinuations that containers moved to the bonded terminals are at the discretion of the command, stressing that the final destination for clearing of any consignment into the country is at the owner’s or importer’s discretion.
“This cannot be altered by any customs officer including the Area Controller. 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 seaport which the vessel will berth. This negates the erroneous belief that Onne officers connive with operators of Bonded Terminals to transfer containers to Bonded Terminals”, he maintained.
