By Peace Udugba
Onne Area II Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, has announced record-breaking revenue performance by the Command, describing it as the highest monthly collection since its establishment.
Speaking at a press briefing held on 14 May 2026 in Onne, Comptroller Alkali revealed that the Command generated over ₦77.3 billion in April 2026 alone. He further noted that between January and April 2026, the Command recorded a cumulative revenue of ₦258,204,841,355.66, describing the figure as unprecedented in the history of the Command.
According to him, “This remarkable achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of the Command to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the enforcement of extant government fiscal policies.”
He explained that the performance underscores the Command’s drive to strengthen compliance and enhance efficiency in port operations.
Highlighting anti-smuggling successes recorded within the period under review, Comptroller Alkali disclosed that in February 2026, officers intercepted an attempted smuggling of a 40-foot container falsely declared to contain plumbing materials, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦185,220,000.00. Upon examination, it was discovered that the container number had been altered in an attempt to evade duty payment.
Also in the same month, he said officers intercepted nine 40-foot containers containing various undeclared goods including fabrics, tools, LED lights, solar fans, and garments, with a combined DPV of ₦1,251,368,000.00. He added that the importers violated Sections 231, 233, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, through document falsification, alteration of marks and numbers, and attempted smuggling. The containers were subsequently seized in accordance with the law.
In April 2026, the Command further intercepted six 20-foot containers carrying 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil valued at ₦494,000,000.00, an importation prohibited under Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, aimed at protecting local industries.
Also seized was a 40-foot container found to contain unregistered pharmaceutical products, including about 600 cartons of Hyergra, concealed among other goods such as ceiling fans and food items, with a DPV of ₦139,348,800.00.
Comptroller Alkali stated that the total Duty Paid Value of all 17 seized containers amounted to ₦2,069,936,800.00.
He warned importers and clearing agents involved in illicit trade to desist from such practices, stressing that the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its enforcement mandate and will continue to clamp down on all forms of smuggling and regulatory violations.
The Comptroller also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his exemplary leadership and strategic guidance, which he said continues to drive reforms and performance across Commands.
He further praised officers and men of the Onne Area II Command for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty, noting that their efforts remain central to the Command’s achievements.
Comptroller Alkali also appreciated members of the press for their continued partnership in promoting accurate and responsible reportage of Customs activities.
