Customs generate ₦190bn, seize ₦10.2bn illegal goods in three months

The Nigerian Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State, said it generated over ₦190 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2025.

The Command revealed that during the period under review, its officers seized 20 containers of contraband items illegally imported into the country, valued at over ₦10.2 billion.

The Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, disclosed this at a news briefing in Onne on Wednesday.

Babandede also stated that the total volume of products exported during the period, comprising mainly agricultural goods and solid minerals, stood at over ₦2.3 billion.

He said, “These seizures are products of courage, bravery, a high level of integrity, and the self-determined posture of the officers to be patriotic to their oath of allegiance, exhibited through objective and careful examination, meticulous documentary checks, and professionalism.

“The cumulative duty-paid value of the seized goods presented is worth Ten Billion, Two Hundred and Ninety-three Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-seven Thousand, Forty Naira (₦10,293,677,040.00).

“The sum of ₦190,569,212,397.42 was collected as revenue during the first quarter (January–March) of the year 2025.”

Babandede continued, “During the first quarter of the year 2024, a total of
One Hundred and Sixty-two Billion, Seven Hundred and Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty-one Naira, Forty-eight Kobo (₦162,705,313,561.48) was collected.

“This shows remarkable improvement, with a difference of Twenty-seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-four Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty-two Naira, Sixty-one Kobo (₦27,864,668,442.61). This represents a 17.12% increase against the first quarter of 2024.”

On exports, he said, “The Command exported 1,274,695 metric tonnes comprising mostly agricultural products and solid minerals.

“The total value of exported products stood at Two Billion, Three Hundred and Forty-five Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-two Naira (₦2,345,268,122).”

The Onne Area 2 Customs Command boss warned against smuggling, emphasising that offenders will face the full weight of the law.

Babandede reiterated the commitment of the NCS to contributing its quota to the country’s development and called for sustained partnership with stakeholders.

He said, “It is important to know that importing illicit drugs and other prohibited items into the country can have serious consequences for both the public and society.

“Worthy of note is the fact that perpetrating any illegal act is criminal and remains punishable under the extant laws of the Nigeria Customs Service, with legal consequences including a fine, imprisonment, or both, depending on the case.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to its role in contributing to the country’s economic development and security.

“I urge compliant stakeholders to sustain their partnership and cooperation with the Service in achieving its goals.”

Our correspondent, who covered the briefing, reports that the seized items included illicit drugs, used clothes (bales), and foodstuffs.