The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, has wrapped up the year 2024 with groundbreaking achievements in its anti-smuggling operations and revenue generation efforts, according to Comptroller Mohammed Babandede.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday, December 31, Babandede highlighted the Command’s relentless drive to protect the nation’s borders, public health, and economic interests.
Among the year’s major highlights was the interception of 12 containers of illicit drugs. These included 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg diclofenac, and 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg tramadol (Royal Apple and Tramaking brands). The containers also concealed items such as 3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings and 840 chilly cutters.
The duty-paid value of the seized items stands at a staggering ₦20.31 billion, reflecting the Command’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.
Babandede announced that the Command exceeded its 2024 revenue target of ₦618 billion, generating ₦634 billion, which represents 103% of the target. This marks a ₦321 billion increase from 2023 and a remarkable 98% growth in annual revenue.
The success was attributed to enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, intelligence sharing, and effective enforcement strategies. The Command also processed over 2.7 million metric tonnes of export goods, valued at $952.99 million (₦1.26 trillion), comprising agro and mineral resources like sesame seeds, aluminum ingots, and granular urea.
In addition to the recent drug seizure, the Command made a total of 76 container seizures in 2024, including arms, ammunition, vegetable oil, footwear, donkey skins, and uncustomed goods, with a combined duty-paid value of ₦150.87 billion.
Earlier in the year, the Command gained national recognition for intercepting 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of ammunition, earning eight officers special promotions from Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who had commended the team’s exemplary performance.
The Comptroller-General recognized the Area 2 Command as the best anti-smuggling unit for 2024, further boosting the morale of its officers.
Several personnel received promotions, including 14 Deputy Comptrollers elevated to Comptrollers, 6 Assistant Comptrollers promoted to Deputy Comptrollers, and 17 Chief Superintendents of Customs elevated to Assistant Comptrollers.
Other officers were also promoted across various ranks, reflecting the Service’s commitment to rewarding excellence and dedication.
Babandede expressed gratitude to the Command’s officers, stakeholders, and the media for their continued support in combating smuggling and facilitating trade.
“These achievements underscore our resolve to secure Nigeria’s borders, protect lives, and uphold the integrity of the nation’s entry points,” he said.
The Area 2 Command is optimistic about achieving even greater results in 2025, leveraging stronger collaborations and heightened enforcement strategies.