The Comptroller General of Customs has joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the WACT, Onne.
The Customs boss expressed his delight that facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, thus, he could not help but call the attention of the stakeholders to this grave concern which has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port.
This information was said by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir during a press briefing held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Area 2 Command Onne Port Harcourt.
“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports. Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to Trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.”
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port. Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago, it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.” He said
In furtherance to his words, he said that the recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; stating that the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo; hence, scale and nature of these illegal importations has posed a significant threat to the national security and the health of the citizens.
However, the customs boss showcased yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve (12) containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination.
Seizures on Display:
One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦923,040,000.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of ₦4,716,573,846.
Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦17,432,506,000.
Five (5) x 40-feet containers: Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of ₦8,128,568,295.90.
These interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering ₦31,200,688,142. This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.
With grave concern, CGC Adewale called on patriotic citizens to assist the customs in this crucial national security in order to prevent further potential catastrophe that affects Nigerians by providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.
Also, he added that for the next three months, the customs shall be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers, stressing that if the owners do not come forward for examination, the containers will be opened to verify their contents so as to clean up the port and restore its integrity.
“This is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.”
However, the CGC assured the business community and legitimate importers that the measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade but the goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive; stressing that the customs’ officers and men will work to ensure that lawful shipments are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible during this period.
He also warned those who may be tempted to continue these illegal activities that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, would bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in the crimes against the nation.
Expressing his profound appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding the nation, CGC Adewale affirmed that their dedication to duty and commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and their efforts do not go unnoticed.
In addition, the Customs boss declared that the seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items. He aligned that the illegal pharmaceuticals, including cough syrup and tramadol, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, while the other items would be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities.
Reiterating the customs commitment to continuing momentum, the Nigeria Customs boss, CGC Adewale re-affirmed that they would leave no stone unturned in their mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We shall strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”
In conclusion, he assured all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods and also remain steadfast in their duties to ensure that the nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.
