Reps Committee Lauds Comptroller Babandede’s Performance at Onne Port, Vows to Address Operational Challenges
The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has commended the impressive strides of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area II Command, Onne Port, under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, pledging to address the lingering operational and welfare challenges confronting the command.
The commendation came during a two-day oversight visit to Customs Zone C, which began on Wednesday, April 23, and continued on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in line with the committee’s statutory oversight responsibilities.
The delegation, led by its Chairman, Honourable Leke Abejide, was received at the Onne Customs Command by Comptroller Babandede and his officers.
Addressing newsmen during the visit, Honourable Abejide highlighted the command’s outstanding performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and synergy with other government agencies.
He noted that the Onne Command has surpassed its first quarter revenue target and has played a significant role in intercepting dangerous items that could have threatened national security.
“We singled out Onne because, after Apapa and Tin Can, it is the third-largest customs command. We needed to scrutinise it closely to know exactly what is happening,” Abejide explained.
According to him, despite facing infrastructural and logistical hurdles such as inadequate accommodation, insufficient operational vehicles, and the lack of additional functional scanners, the command has excelled beyond expectations.
“I would score Comptroller Babandede 99% if I were to rate his performance,” the committee chairman declared. “You saw how he was applauded by other members of my team. He has not only surpassed the first quarter revenue target but has also made critical seizures, including a large cache of arms and munitions and unwholesome drugs that could have endangered public safety.”
Abejide also recalled that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, had personally visited the command to receive and hand over the high-profile seizures to the appropriate authorities.
While recognising the challenges highlighted by Comptroller Babandede, Honourable Abejide assured that the committee would integrate those needs into the upcoming 2025 national budget.
“We’ve taken note of the issues—accommodation, scanners, vehicles. I personally documented them. When we return, I will sit with the CGC and ensure these are addressed. What we can solve through budgeting, we will. What requires plenary action, we will also pursue,” he added, assuring that the welfare of officers and men would remain a top priority.
Echoing Abejide’s sentiments, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, Assistant Comptroller General S.K. Dangaladima, expressed optimism that the committee’s visit would result in concrete interventions to ease the difficulties facing officers at Onne.
He emphasised the need for adequate tools and welfare incentives to sustain the current momentum.
Speaking on his command’s performance, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede revealed that the Onne Customs Command raked in over N190 billion in revenue within the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 17.12% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
He further disclosed the interception of 20 containers loaded with illicit drugs worth over N10 billion.
“Our monthly revenue target is N58 billion, but we’re consistently generating between N60 and N66 billion,” Babandede stated. “Despite only having one functional scanner, we are exceeding our targets.”
He also revealed that eight officers who contributed significantly to the success of recent interceptions were specially promoted by the Comptroller-General as part of efforts to motivate the workforce.
The House committee, during the visit, also carried out an on-the-spot assessment of equipment and facilities at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), inspecting the sole functional scanner and stopping over at INTELS facilities.
The engagement also featured interactions with key stakeholders in the maritime sector, including terminal operators, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Africa Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), bonded terminal operators, and other government agencies.
The visit marks a renewed commitment by the National Assembly to support the Nigeria Customs Service in enhancing its operational efficiency and boosting national revenue.
