Nigeria Customs Service Area 2 Command Onne Achieves Significant Milestones in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Activities

Nigeria Customs Service Area 2 Command Onne Achieves Significant Milestones in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Activities

Onne, Nigeria - June 21, 2024

The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command Onne, has reported remarkable achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts. At a press briefing held on Friday, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, who assumed duty as the Area Controller in April 2024, outlined the successes recorded by the Command.

**Revenue Generation:**

Comptroller Babandede highlighted the impressive revenue figures, stating that the Command was initially assigned a target of ₦494 billion, which was later revised to ₦618 billion for the year 2024. By the end of May 2024, the Command had generated a total revenue of ₦249,752,268,298.28, achieving 50.4% of the initial target and 40.3% of the revised annual target. This represents an increase of ₦153,213,700,450.15 compared to the same period last year. Despite challenges such as the NLC strike, Democracy Day, and Sallah holiday, the Command generated ₦43,430,267,210.00 in June 2024 alone.

**Anti-Smuggling Activities:**

The Command has seized six containers for various customs violations and breaches of procedures under the revised import prohibition guidelines of the Common External Tariff 2022-2026, as well as relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The seized items include:

- Four 20-foot containers loaded with bales of clothing, lace, and fabrics with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦911,520,011.00.

- Two 40-foot containers containing 2,625 cartons of cough syrup with codeine, 80 cartons of Sildenafil Citrate tablets, and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutters with a DPV of ₦2,250,654,000.00.

The total DPV of the seven seized containers stands at ₦3,188,454,452. Comptroller Babandede emphasized that these seizures were made through intelligence gathering and cooperation with sister agencies, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Environmental Concerns:

Additionally, a seized container of used electronics, now considered e-waste, was highlighted. The Command will collaborate with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to ensure proper disposal in line with environmental regulations.

Bonded Terminals Clarification:

Addressing misconceptions about Bonded Terminal procedures, Comptroller Babandede clarified that the final destination for clearing consignments is determined by the importer at the country of exportation, as indicated on the Bill of Lading. He stressed that any infraction discovered during physical examination results in a Demand Notice to recover revenue shortfalls or detention and seizure of goods.

The Command remains committed to enhancing revenue collection, combating smuggling, and facilitating trade through collaboration and intelligence sharing with stakeholders and sister agencies. Comptroller Babandede thanked the media for their role in public sensitization and encouraged continuous education of the public on trade laws and procedures.

For further information, the Command's Public Relations Unit is available to address any inquiries.

Contact:

Public Relations Unit

Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command Onne