Onne Customs Achieves N643 Billion Revenue in 2024
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, has announced a record-breaking revenue generation of N643 billion for 2024, exceeding its annual target of N618 billion by N25 billion. This remarkable achievement, represents 103% of the year’s revenue goal.
At a press briefing held on Tuesday in Onne, the Area Controller of the NCS, Mr. Muhammed Babandede, expressed pride in the command’s accomplishments. He attributed the unprecedented revenue figures to strategic improvements in operations, enhanced enforcement measures, and a robust focus on anti-smuggling activities.
“The Nigeria Customs Service Area II Command generated a total of N643 billion in revenue for 2024, surpassing its annual target of N618 billion. This achievement highlights our commitment to fostering legitimate trade while curbing smuggling activities,” Babandede stated.
He further revealed that the 2024 revenue exceeded the 2023 target by an astonishing N321 billion, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory in the command’s revenue collection performance.
Babandede outlined several factors that contributed to the command’s success. Key among them were the implementation of advanced revenue collection strategies, increased export activities, and heightened vigilance in anti-smuggling campaigns. These efforts collectively bolstered the command’s operational efficiency.
The Area Controller emphasized that trade facilitation and compliance with customs regulations were at the forefront of their operations. “Our commitment to providing transparent and efficient services has been a significant driver of this achievement,” he added.
In addition to its revenue accomplishments, the Onne Command recorded significant milestones in its anti-smuggling efforts. A total of 76 containers, with a duty-paid value exceeding N150 billion, were confiscated during the year. These seizures included arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, vegetable oil, footwear, donkey skin, and used clothing, reflecting the command’s unwavering stance against smuggling activities.
Babandede highlighted some of the most noteworthy confiscations, such as one million bottles of cough syrup, 500,000 bottles of extra diclofenac, and sanitary wares used to conceal illicit drugs. “These operations have not only safeguarded our economy but also ensured the safety and well-being of our citizens,” he noted.
Recent Seizures and Export Growth
One of the command’s recent high-profile seizures involved 12 containers with a duty-paid value of over N20 billion. This operation further reinforced Onne Command’s reputation as a leader in anti-smuggling activities within the Nigeria Customs Service.
The command also recorded significant achievements in the export sector, with agro-commodities and solid minerals generating substantial revenue. Items such as aluminum ingots, granular urea, orange peels, sesame seeds, and wheat bran contributed over N1 billion to the export revenue.
Babandede underscored the command’s role in facilitating legitimate trade and supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export growth. “Our focus on promoting export activities aligns with the federal government’s economic diversification agenda,” he stated.
The Onne Command’s outstanding performance earned it recognition as the best-performing command in anti-smuggling operations. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, presented an award to the command, a gesture that Babandede described as a morale booster for his officers and a testament to their dedication.
“This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our team. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of our operations,” Babandede remarked.
