As the curtains closed on 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 2 Command, Onne, under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, reflected on a transformative year. On December 31, 2024, during the Command’s end-of-year briefing, Comptroller Babandede outlined a year of unprecedented achievements, marking a turning point in the fight against smuggling, revenue generation, and trade facilitation.
Anti-Smuggling Milestones
The Command’s unrelenting focus on safeguarding the nation saw the interception of 76 containers laden with illicit and uncustomed goods. Among the most notable was the recent seizure of 12 containers filled with harmful medicines and items used for concealment, valued at ₦20.31 billion. Items such as cough syrups with codeine, tramadol tablets, and counterfeit pharmaceuticals were successfully intercepted, preventing these dangerous substances from flooding Nigerian markets.
In Babandede’s words, “These achievements underscore our commitment to protecting public health and the economy from the scourge of smuggling.” Acknowledging the officers’ dedication, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, honored the Command with the prestigious Best Command in Anti-Smuggling Operations award, boosting morale and reinforcing their resolve.
Revenue Generation Excellence
2024 was also a year of financial breakthroughs. Tasked with a revenue target of ₦618 billion, the Command surpassed expectations, generating ₦634 billion—a 103% performance rate and an impressive 98% increase over 2023 collections. This was achieved through strategic stakeholder engagement, intelligence sharing, and operational efficiency.
Promotion and Recognition
The Command celebrated the promotion of numerous officers, including eight special promotions for their exceptional contributions to the interception of 844 rifles and over 112,000 live ammunition earlier in the year. Babandede commended the Comptroller-General for recognizing the Command’s efforts, stating, “Rewarding excellence motivates us to strive harder for the nation’s progress.”
Export Growth
The export sector also saw significant strides. A total of 2.7 million metric tonnes of agro and mineral commodities, with an FOB value of $952.99 million (₦1.26 trillion), were processed through the Onne Command. Commodities such as sesame seeds, aluminum ingots, and urea contributed to Nigeria’s growing export profile, reinforcing the Command’s role in boosting non-oil revenues.
A Year to Remember
Reflecting on these milestones, Babandede praised the collaboration with stakeholders and the resilience of his team. He emphasized that these results were not just numbers but a testament to the Command’s dedication to national development.
The year 2024 marked a paradigm shift for Area 2 Command, proving that with strategic leadership, stakeholder collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to duty, great strides can be achieved. As Nigerians usher in 2025, the Onne Command stands as a beacon of hope and excellence, setting new standards for the Nigeria Customs Service.
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