The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, announced that it generated over ₦190 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025.
During a press briefing on Wednesday in Onne, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, revealed that officers also seized 20 containers of contraband goods valued at more than ₦10.2 billion during the period under review.
According to Babandede, the Command exported goods—mainly agricultural products and solid minerals—valued at over ₦2.3 billion.
“These seizures are a testament to the courage, integrity, and professionalism of our officers,” he said. “They were made possible through diligent inspections, thorough documentation checks, and a strong commitment to upholding the oath of service.”
He noted that the seized items had a total duty-paid value of ₦10,293,677,040.00.
Babandede also disclosed that between January and March 2025, the Command collected ₦190,569,212,397.42 in revenue, reflecting a significant increase compared to the ₦162,705,313,561.48 collected during the same period in 2024. This represents a growth of ₦27,864,668,442.61, or 17.12%.
On export activities, Babandede stated that the Command facilitated the shipment of 1,274,695 metric tons of goods, mostly comprising agricultural and mineral products, with a total export value of ₦2,345,268,122.
He used the opportunity to issue a stern warning against smuggling, stressing that violators would face the full extent of the law.
“Importing banned items such as illicit drugs poses serious risks to public health and security,” he said. “Violations are criminal offenses and are punishable under Nigeria Customs Service regulations, with penalties that may include fines, imprisonment, or both.”
Comptroller Babandede reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to national development and called for continued collaboration with stakeholders.
“Our goal is to support economic growth and ensure national security,” he said. “We encourage all compliant stakeholders to keep working with us toward achieving these objectives.”