Onne Customs Command Records Over N190 Billion Revenue, Seizes Illicit Goods Worth N10.2 Billion in Q1 2025

Onne Customs Command Records Over N190 Billion Revenue, Seizes Illicit Goods Worth N10.2 Billion in Q1 2025

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – April 16, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Command, Onne, has recorded a total revenue of N190.57 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 17.12% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This achievement was revealed by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, Customs Area Controller of the Command, during the Command’s first quarter media briefing held on Wednesday, April 16.

Comptroller Babandede disclosed that the revenue performance improved significantly from N162.7 billion collected in Q1 2024 to N190.57 billion in Q1 2025, representing a growth of N27.86 billion.

Anti-Smuggling Achievements

Highlighting the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts, Babandede revealed that 20 containers of illicit and prohibited goods were intercepted between January and March 2025. The seized items include:

• Over 594,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup, 85,000 bottles of CSMIX with codeine, and 980,000 tablets of Tamol-X.

• 4.83 million capsules of Pregabalin (300mg).

• Containers of used clothing, sanitary wares, cooking oil, and other contraband items.

• A container of donkey skins intended for illegal export.

The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods stands at N10.29 billion.

“These seizures were the result of courage, integrity, and professionalism exhibited by our officers,” Babandede said. “Such dangerous imports, especially illicit drugs, pose serious threats to public health, security, and social stability. We remain vigilant in intercepting these products before they reach our communities.”

Export Activities

In the first quarter, the Command also facilitated the export of 1.274 million metric tonnes of goods, largely consisting of agricultural produce and solid minerals. The total Free On Board (FOB) value of the exported goods stood at N2.34 billion.

Trade Facilitation & Modernization

According to Babandede, the Command has embraced the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernization initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation. Through the B’odogwu Unified Information Management System, stakeholders were trained on updated clearing procedures to improve container release times and boost revenue generation.

He commended the impact of the integrated platforms and hardware in expediting import and export processes at the port, which have contributed to both compliance and efficiency.

Interagency Collaboration

As part of inter-agency collaboration, a 20ft container loaded with donkey skin was handed over to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service for further investigation and appropriate action.

Appreciation and Call for Cooperation

Comptroller Babandede expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team for their support and leadership. He also lauded the officers and men of the Onne Command for their dedication, as well as compliant stakeholders who continue to support the Service's objectives.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains steadfast in its mandate to safeguard national security, collect revenue, and facilitate legitimate trade,” he concluded. “We call on all stakeholders to continue their cooperation in building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”

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For inquiries and more updates from the Onne Command, contact the Public Relations Unit, Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II.