Nigeria Customs Intercepts ₦31.2 Billion Worth of Illicit Goods at Onne Port

Nigeria Customs Intercepts ₦31.2 Billion Worth of Illicit Goods at Onne Port

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – The Nigeria Customs Service has once again made significant strides in safeguarding national security with the interception of twelve containers loaded with illicit goods at Onne Port, Rivers State. This was announced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a press conference held in September 2024.

In his address, Adeniyi revealed that the seized goods, which include military camouflage boots, large quantities of pharmaceutical products, and restricted drugs, had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) totaling ₦31.2 billion. The Comptroller-General expressed concern over the increasing use of Onne Port as a hub for the importation of dangerous and illicit cargo, which poses serious threats to Nigeria’s national security.

"The alarming frequency of illegal shipments through Onne Port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency," said Adeniyi. "Despite our pro-trade policies, criminal elements are exploiting our systems to bring in items that jeopardize our national safety."

Among the seized items were:

- One 40-foot container holding 4,800 pairs of military camouflage boots and 67,320 pairs of rubber footwear, with a DPV of ₦923 million.

- Three containers filled with 562,600 bottles of codeine cough syrup and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4.7 billion.

- Three more containers containing 380,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup, over 24 million tablets of Royal Tramadol, and other harmful drugs, valued at ₦17.4 billion.

- Five additional containers holding close to 900,000 bottles of codeine cough syrup, millions of tablets of unregulated drugs, and other items worth ₦8.1 billion.

The Comptroller-General highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and diligent inspections in making these seizures. He also noted that while the seizures demonstrate the vigilance of customs officers, they also raise concerns about persistent attempts to compromise Nigeria's security through illegal importation.

In response to the growing threat, emergency protocols have been activated at Onne Port. For the next three months, thorough examinations will be conducted on all suspected containers, with or without the presence of their owners.

Adeniyi called on Nigerians to support the fight against smuggling by providing relevant intelligence on those behind these illicit activities. He assured legitimate importers that lawful trade would not be disrupted during this heightened security period and emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will deal decisively with anyone found complicit.

The illicit pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while other prohibited items will be handled in accordance with the law.

The Customs chief concluded by reaffirming the service's commitment to protecting Nigeria's borders, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and fostering a secure business environment.

“We will continue to strengthen our efforts in fighting smuggling and protecting the nation from the threats posed by illegal importation,” he said. 

This operation adds to the growing list of successes by the Nigeria Customs Service as it continues its relentless campaign against smuggling and illicit trade.