KOREDE DAMIFOGO
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has raised the alarm that Onne Port, Port Harcourt Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo.
He disclosed this on Wednesday, against the backdrop of the command’s interception of 12 40 ft containers laden with military hardware and drugs valued at N31,200,688,142bn.
Speaking to journalists shortly after displaying the intercepted items, the Customs CG, said the Interception was a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance and the effectiveness of the service intelligence network.
He also attributed the success to the critical partnerships the service maintained with other security agencies.
BUSINESSINSIDERNG reports that the intercepted items are; One x 40-feet container containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, 3 x 40-feet containers containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine , 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, and (3) x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine.
Other items include 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, (5) x 40-feet containers containing 892,400 bottles s of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol.
He said the above interceptions bring the total Duty Paid Value of the 12 seized containers to a staggering N31.2billion.
He said, “This operation is not only a testament to the Area 2 Command’s vigilance but also to the effectiveness of our intelligence network and the critical partnerships we maintain with other security agencies.
“Earlier today, I had joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the WACT, Onne. As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern.
“This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security.
“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speaks to Trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal clements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, Coming on the heel of a seizure of a huge cache of arms couple of months ago. it is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.
“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed la disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“I want to emphasise that this is not just Customs issue, it is national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavor. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions.”
He assured business community and legitimate importers that the measure is not aimed at disrupting lawful trade saying that it’s goal is to create a safer, more secure environment for genuine business activities to thrive.