As the command Showcases Massive Seizures of 20 Containers with (DPV) of N13.5B.

By Bon Peters

It was praise galore Wednesday,at the customs Area 11 Command Onne, Port Harcourt,Rivers State for ACG Mohammed, Babandede the outgoing Area Controller Onne Customs Area 11, Command, during his official handover ceremony to the incoming Customs Area Controller Comptroller Aliyu M Alkali.

Our correspondent reports that ACG Babandede has been elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) by the Customs management and subsequently redeployed to Customs Zone A, Headquarters Lagos.

The occasion which was graced by the Zonal Coordinator Zone C, Headquarters Port Harcourt,ACG Kamal Mohammed mni, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Customs Area I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, heads of security and regulatory agencies, Terminal Operators, Freight Forwarders, and other critical stakeholders, was marked by pomp .

Speaking at the event, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, ACG Mohammed Babandede, thanked officers and men of the Command, sister agencies, associations at the Onne Port, and the Port management for their support and cooperation during his tenure.

However, giving breakdown of the Seizures, ACG Babandede said the Command successfully intercepted a total of 20 containers, with a combined Duty Paid Value of ?13,573,430,630.00 (Thirteen Billion, Five Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Four Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty Naira), even as he highlighted that the intercepted drugs stood as follows: "1,195,400 bottles of codeine syrup X 100ml each, 3,200,000 tablets of Really Extra, Diclofenac X 50mg each, 3,500,000 tablets of Benzhexol X 5mg, 1,633 cartons of laboratory equipments, 2,612,400 by 5ml Analgin injection packages,. 239,400 packages of diluent ampoules of artesunate injection, 399,700 packages of diluent ampoules of expired Aretemac Injection "

Speaking further,he noted that "these medicines were imported from India, targeted at the Nigerian market. While being calculative at evading regulatory scrutiny, the drugs were carefully smuggled using the tactics of concealing them under the disguise of regular imports of;

6,720 pieces of chilly cutters, 192 cartons of bench vice, 30 pieces of ceiling fans 479, pieces of plumbing materials.

Other items include; 6,048 pieces of blades, 1,200 pieces of hoes, 20 cartons of wall lights, 40 bales of handbags, 39,780 pieces of machetes, 6 bales of used clothes, 1,050 cartons of tomato paste, 5,250 gallons of Sahala Vegetable Oil of 25 litres each"

He added that Nigeria has long struggled with the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medications, which according to him posed a significant risk to public health, including potentially fatal outcomes.

ACG Babandede insisted that to protect public health and combat drug trafficking, the Nigerian government has banned the importation of certain medications, including counterfeit drugs and substances like codeine and tramadol.

He noted "this measure aims to ensure safe medicines, tackle fake drug issues, and reduce drug addiction, which poses serious health and security challenges."

Concluding, he maintained that pursuant to the federal government’s resolution to ensure public health and safety, the officers’ dedication to duty, demonstration of remarkable vigilance and professionalism played a crucial role in successfully executing the interdictions.

The accomplishment he said highlighted Customs collective commitment as a service to protecting Nigeria's borders and ensuring public safety

In his speech, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone C. Headquarters Port Harcourt, ACG Kamal Mohammed, said "the outgoing CAC was a distinguished leader, who until recently served as our revered Customs Area Controller, had his tenure nothing short of dedication, vision, and resilience; leaving an indelible mark in the annals of the command’s history. "

He wished him "continued success, greater fulfillment, and Allah’s guidance in all his endeavours."

To the newly deployed Area Controller, he warmly welcomed him even as he reminded him that the task before him was both noble and demanding.

The Zonal Coordinator expressed confidence in the CAC's ability to steer the Command to greater heights, adding, "We implore you to build on the solid legacies left behind by your predecessor, while bringing in fresh ideas and innovations that will further advance the mission of the Service.

"Together, we look forward to a new chapter of growth, discipline, and excellence under your leadership." ACG Mohammed emphasized .

In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

He informed stakeholders that his assignment was to ensure compliance with trade regulations, facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue for the federal government and ensure public safety.

He requested all stakeholders to key into Nigeria’s continued development, assuring them of his commitment to consolidating on the foundation laid by ACG Mohammed Babandede, and called for continuous collaboration to sustain the Command’s quota to trade facilitation, revenue generation, prevention of economic sabotage and ensuring public safety.

The high point of the occasion was the presentation of an award of Excellence to ACG Babandede by the former ANLCA Chairman, Onne Sea Port Chapter, Mr. Mike Ebeatu on behalf of the association. Others present include, Port Manager, Onne Port, Abdulrahmon Hussain represented by the Traffic Manager,Abolade Surajudeen, General Manager, Government and Public Relations WACT, Mr. Innocent Ogbuji, Mr. Charles Okagbue of OMT, NAVY, NAFDAC, NDLEA, IMMIGRATION, NAGAFF, APFFLON, Bonded Terminal Operators among others.

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