In abid to step up its constitutional role, the Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne, has recorded ground breaking seizures in its operations against smuggling and illicit trade, led by the vigilant officers and collaboration with sisters agencies.
Briefing journalists, the Comptroller, Area II Command, Mahammed Babandede, said the impressive achievements in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, are consequent on the command’s doggedness and unwavering commitment to safeguard public health and ensuring the security of the nation in compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations.
According to him the proactive operation of his men successfully led to the interception and seizure of additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine, adding that the seizures is a justification and commitment of the agency to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.
Comptroller Babandede explained that the break down is as follows: 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal Apple Tramadol and Tramaking etc, maintaining that the duty paid value of the twelve containers is put at about N20,309,890,800.
The command’s helmsman further explained that the latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of its officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drug and other harmful substance do not find their way into the country through their area of responsibility.
“Our efforts are geared toward securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne, Port axis,” Comptroller Babandede said.
He recalled that earlier in the year,the command was given a revenue target of 618 billion naira, adding that he is glad to inform that,” the command with the aid of stakeholders engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligent sharing ,has surpass the target given by generating a total revenue of 634 billion naira which account for 103% percent of the annual target”.
The Area 2 comptroller who was full of praises for his men, stakeholders,media and his boss for the significant role bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs in recognizing Area 2 Command as the Best Command in anti-smuggling operations.
“This honour has further strengthened our resolve,and i assure you that we will not relent in performing our duties to protect the lives and well-being of Nigerians”.
In a related development, the Chair Lady through Customs Officers Wives Association Onne chapter empowers some widows, while some members presented gift items to the orphanage.
