Onne Customs Generates Record ₦258bn, Seizes Smuggled Goods Worth ₦2bn
The Port Harcourt II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne, has recorded a historic revenue performance while intensifying anti-smuggling operations along the Eastern maritime corridor.
Speaking during a press briefing in Onne on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, disclosed that the Command generated more than ₦77.3 billion in April 2026, the highest monthly revenue collection since the Command was established.
Alkali further revealed that the Command realised a cumulative revenue of ₦258.2 billion between January and April 2026, describing the achievement as unprecedented in the Command’s history.
According to him, the performance reflected the Command’s commitment to blocking revenue leakages, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring compliance with government fiscal policies.
“This unprecedented revenue performance reflects the commitment of the Command to blocking leakages, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring full compliance with government fiscal policies. Our officers have remained resolute and professional in carrying out this mandate,” he said.
The Customs boss also highlighted several anti-smuggling breakthroughs recorded during the review period, noting that some importers and clearing agents had adopted increasingly sophisticated methods to evade Customs duties.
He disclosed that in February 2026, officers intercepted a 40-foot container falsely declared as containing plumbing materials.
Investigations later revealed that the original identification number on the container had allegedly been altered in an attempt to smuggle the cargo out of the port without payment of appropriate duties.
The seized container had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦185.2 million.
In another operation within the same period, Customs officers intercepted nine additional 40-foot containers laden with assorted items including fabrics, garments, LED lights, solar fans, building materials and carpentry tools.
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The containers, with a combined DPV of over ₦1.25 billion, were linked to alleged offences involving falsification of import documents, alteration of marks and numbers, and attempted duty evasion.
Alkali said the anti-smuggling operations continued in April with the interception of six 20-foot containers carrying 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil valued at ₦494 million.
He explained that the importation violated Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which restricts the importation of refined vegetable oils in order to encourage local production and protect indigenous manufacturers.
The Command also seized a 40-foot container concealing about 600 cartons of unregistered Hyergra drugs hidden among ceiling fans, chilly cutters and food packs.
According to the Comptroller, the illicit pharmaceutical products and other concealed items carried an estimated DPV of ₦139.3 million.
Altogether, the Command recorded seizures involving 17 containers with a cumulative Duty Paid Value exceeding ₦2.06 billion during the review period.
Alkali warned importers and agents engaged in unlawful trade practices that the Nigeria Customs Service would sustain its crackdown on smuggling and related economic crimes.
“We want to send a strong warning to all importers and agents involved in unlawful activities that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its fight against smuggling and other illegal trade practices,” he said.
He, however, urged compliant traders to continue conducting legitimate business in line with existing import regulations and fiscal policies.
The Customs Area Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership and institutional support that had enhanced operational efficiency across Commands nationwide.
He also praised officers and personnel of the Port Harcourt II Area Command for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication, noting that their commitment remained central to the Command’s achievements.
The briefing concluded with appreciation to the media for sustained public enlightenment on the activities and operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.
