Customs Declares State Of Emergency In Onne Port

Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Customs Services, NSC, has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port, in Eleme local government area of Rivers State.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made the declaration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening, while briefing Journalists in Port Harcourt on the latest inception of 12 forty-feet containers loaded with illicit goods and military camouflage rain boots, worth over thirty one billion naira at the Port, by the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, in Onne, Eleme LGA, Rivers State.

The Customs Controller-General said the declaration of state of emergency at the Onne Port was necessitated by the continuous importation of dangerous cargo through the port.

Adeniyi who expressed concerns about the use of Onne Port in the importation of contraband and harmful goods, stated that despite several warnings to individuals indulging in the prohibited cargoes, regretted that some Port users were not giving up in importing goods that poses a threat to national security.

He said, “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.

“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr. President supports the re-energizing 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 elements 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.”

The Customs Boss explained that, eleven of the seized containers contained cartons of illicit drugs, while a 40-feet container contained 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boats and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value of N923,040,000.

He disclosed that the 12 Containers intercepted at the Onne Port has a total Duty Paid Value of N31,200,688,142.

Speaking further, he said, “Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a 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.

“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of Area 2 Command.

“On display are 12 containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and meticulous physical examination.

“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.

“Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next six months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary, but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity.”

Adeniyi used the medium to appeal to Nigerians to assist the Customs and other security agencies with credible informations that would help in combating crime and criminality in the country.

“I want to emphasize that this is not just a Customs issue; it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are, therefore, calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavour. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe.”

The Customs Controller-General however, lauded the officers of the Custom Area 2 Command, Onne, led by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede for their commitment in the fight against smuggling and illegal important of harmful goods into the country.