‘We’re Continually Raising The Integrity of Our Entry Points’ – Babandede

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Onne Port Area Controller of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Mohammed Babandede has said that no effort is spared by management to regularly raise the bar of professionalism to ensure that operations of the area command is wholly integrity driven, since assuming control of the area command.

The 12 containers laden with questionable pharmaceuticals

Babandede who was showcasing last minute seizures of 12 containers of questionable imported medicaments made by his officers and men in December 2024 said the command’s monitoring and compliance seat is constantly alive to its responsibility.

The Onne customs boss further noted that the ‘Best Command In Anti-Smuggling Operations’ won recently by the area also remains a motivating factor.

Addressing the press on the end of year briefing, he said: “It is imperative I acquaint you with all the successes we achieved throughout the year 2024 as today marks the last day of the year. Since our last engagement on the 11th of November 2024, I am pleased to inform you that the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne has recorded another remarkable achievement in our ongoing battle against smuggling and illicit trade.

“Our vigilant officers and men have successfully intercepted and seized an additional 12 containers (40 feet) of illicit medicine. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health, ensuring security of our nation and compliance with Nigeria’s import regulations. This also justifies our commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, effective and efficient service delivery.”

Babandede showcasing some of the decicaments

He explained that the valve to continue to screw tight the entry point against offensive and unlawful imports and exports by officers and men of the command has been redoubled following due recognition accorded them for their vigilance and hard work by the head quarters.

“It is worth noting that the morale and dedication of our officers have been significantly bolstered by the Comptroller-General of Customs’ award, recognizing Area 2 Command as the best Command in anti-smuggling operations. This honor 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.”

Giving the breakdown of the recent seizures, he listed the items to include 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; 3,461 pieces of Sanitary ware Fittings used for concealment; 840 pieces of Chilly cutter used for concealment; and 153 cartons of TVS rubber.

While disclosing that the combined Duty paid Value (DPV) of the twelve containers is ₦20,309,890,800, he noted that customs service prioritizes vigilance and compliance, and care for safety of citizens.

“This latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring that illicit drug and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our 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.”

Speaking further on the command’s activities for the year just ended, Babanded said, “In the area of anti-smuggling the Command made a total of 76 container seizures comprising of arms, ammunition, illicit medicine, vegetable oil, foot wares, donkey skin, used cloths among others uncustomed goods used as concealment with a duty paid value of ₦150,872,551,207

“In export, the major commodities exported through this axis comprises of Agro and Mineral resources namely: sesame seeds, aluminum ingot, granular urea in bulk, wheat bran, orange peel among others and a total of 2,707,339.22 Metric tonnes of goods with a free on board (FOB) value of $952,986,490.99 which is equivalent to ₦1,261,039,933,168.99 was processed through the Command this year.”

While thanking the comptroller general of customs and his management team for every support given to the command for 2024, he also expressed gratitude to stakeholders that supported its efforts on compliance and genuine documentation.

“These are just few of the results achieved with purposeful engagement of our stakeholders and partners this year we look forward to a more result oriented 2025.

“We appreciate the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media, in amplifying our message and efforts to combat smuggling. Together, we can build a safer and healthier nation.

“Let me use this opportunity to specially appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who in September this year promised to reward Officers and men of the Command for the role they played in the Interception of 844 units of riffles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition.

“In keeping to his promise a total of Eight (8) Officers of the Command were given special promotion. Earlier in the year the Command was given a revenue target of 618 billion naira. I am glad to inform you that the Command with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpass the target given by generating a total revenue of 634 billion Naira which accounts for 103% of the annual target.

“This amount is over the 2023 collection by 321 billion Naira and represents 98% increase over the 2023 generated revenue”, he said.