Rivers Customs Generate 258bn In 4 Months, Intercepts 17 containers with contraband goods

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State, has said it generated over N248.2 billion between the months of January and April, 2026, which was unprecedented in the history of the command.

The Customs Area Controller, Aliyu Alkali, who disclosed this while briefing journalists at Onne yesterday, said the Command also intercepted a total of 17 containers loaded with contraband goods within the period.

Aliyu stated that just in April 2026, the Command generated the sum of over N77.3 billion, which is the highest since the inception of the command, adding that the achievement reflects the command’s unwavering commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the enforcement of extant government fiscal policies.

“Just last month, in April 2026, the Command recorded the highest revenue collection in a month since its inception, generating over N77.3 billion.

“It is worthy of note that the command has from January to April 2026 recorded N258.2 billion.

Which is also an unprecedented collection in the history of the command. This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the enforcement of extant government fiscal policies.

“Today, I am pleased to also showcase the Command’s significant anti-smuggling strides recorded over the past four months.

“In February 2026, our vigilant officers intercepted an attempted smuggling of a 1×40-foot container declared to contain plumbing materials, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N185. 22 billion.

“Upon examination, it was discovered that the perpetrators had concealed the original container number and replaced it with a fake one in an attempt to unlawfully remove the container from the Port without payment of duty.

“Also in the same month, our officers intercepted 9×40-foot containers laden with various items, including bales of fabrics, building and carpentry tools, cartons of led light, cartons of solar fans and bales of garments, among others with a DPV of N1.25 billion.

“The importers contravened Sections 231, 233, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, alteration of marks & numbers through document falsification and attempted smuggling. Consequently, the containers and their contents were detained and subsequently converted to seizures in accordance with the law.

“Furthermore, in the same April 2026, the Command intercepted 6×20-foot containers carrying a total of 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil with a DPV of N494.0 billion.

“This importation contravenes Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which prohibits the importation of refined vegetable oils and fats in order to protect and promote local industries, particularly domestic vegetable oil producers and agro-allied businesses.

“Also intercepted was 1x 40-foot container concealing unregistered drugs comprising about 600 cartons of Hyergra, hidden among other items such as cartons of chilly cutter, ceiling fans, and food packs.

The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these items is estimated at N139.35 billion.

“The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for all the seized 17 containers is
N2.069 billion.

“I wish to use this opportunity to send a clear message to all mischievous importers and their agents: that the Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its resolve to combat smuggling and all forms of illegal trade practices at the port. We strongly encourage all law-abiding traders to remain compliant and resist the temptation to engage in activities that contravene the law.

“I would like to specially appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his exemplary leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering support, which continue to inspire our achievements and strengthen discipline within the Service.

I also commend the officers and men of this Command for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty. Their commitment remains instrumental to our success.”, he said.