The Nigerian Custom Service, has seized 12 containers laden with illicit drugs with duty paid value of over N20.3 billion at the Onne Port in Rivers State.
Briefing journalists at Onne yesterday, the Customs Area 2 Comptroller, Mohammed Babandede, said contained 1,721,100 bottles of 100ml Cough Syrup Codeine, 510,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac and 7,100,000 tablets of 225mg Royal apple Tramadol and Tramaking.
This is as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command, has dismissed allegations that it demanded N76 million bribe from Olukayode David-Albert, insisting that it only demanded legitimate customs duty of about N34.9 million.
LEADERSHIP reports that a 70-year-old US returnee, David-Albert, alleging frustration over the sum of N76 million purportedly demanded to clear his two vehicles and personal belongings.
On the seizures, Babandede stated that 3,461 pieces of sanitary ware fittings, 840 pieces of Chilly cutter and 153 cartons of TVS rubber were used to conceal Illicit Drugs in the 12 containers.
He said: “I am pleased to inform you that the Nigerian 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.
“This latest seizure underscores the passion and diligence of the officers and men of the Onne Command in ensuring the illicit drug and other harmful goods do not find their way into our country through our area of responsibility. Our efforts are geared towards securing the health and safety of our citizens while upholding the integrity of entry points into the country through the Onne Port axis.
“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.”
Babandede stated that the Command generated a total revenue of N634 billion as at December 31, 2024, which is higher that N618 billion revenue target given to it for the year.
The Customs Comptroller said: “Earlier in the year, the Command was given a revenue target of N618 billion. I am glad to inform you that as of this morning, December 31, 2024, the Command, with the aid of stakeholder engagement, synergy, collaboration and intelligence sharing, has surpassed the target given by generating a total revenue of N634 billion, which accounts for 103 per cent of the annual target.
“This amount is over the 2023 collection of N321 billion and represents a 98 per cent increase over the 2023 generated revenue.”
Meanwhile, in a press statement by the Customs public relations officer, Ngozi Okwara, said the American returnees’ comments were untrue.
Okwara, said the command considered it necessary to address the claims and provide the public with factual clarity regarding the situation.
“In accordance with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) 2022–2026, Schedule 2 No. 8 (3), it is expressly stated that goods classified as “baggage” for Nigerian citizens who have resided outside Nigeria for at least nine months may be brought in duty-free. However, this provision explicitly excludes vehicles or goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange.
“Consequently, while David-Albert is eligible to import his personal belongings duty-free, the two vehicles in his consignment are not exempted from duty payments. Specifically, the luxurious 2024 Hyundai SUV attracts an Import Duty rate of 20 per cent, a levy of 20 per cent, and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent, in compliance with Nigeria’s customs regulations. The Command determined the appropriate duty value for the two vehicles to be N34,969,374.00. This value is significantly less than the N53.5 million alleged as a “compromise” amount in the publication.”
While expressing dissatisfaction at David-Albert’s claims in the media, the Customs Command admonished him to rather comply with established procedures.
“The Command categorically states that at no point did any officer of the Tincan Island Port Command request for N76 million as alleged. If David-Albert has evidence of such misconduct, he is encouraged to come forward and identify the said officer for further necessary action,” it said.
While reassuring the public that trade facilitation is sacrosanct at the Command as one the core roles of the Service is to facilitate the clearance of legitimate goods, it maintained that the onus is on David-Albert to meet the statutory requirements for duty payment.
“It is pertinent to note that similar regulations apply in advanced countries where David-Albert previously resided, and such behavior of attempting to circumvent due process would not be entertained there.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and fairness in its operations. The Tincan Island Port Command will continue to enforce the law without fear or favor while supporting legitimate trade,” it stated.
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