Onne Customs Command Records Historic ₦77.3bn Revenue in April, Seizes Contraband Worth ₦2bn
The Nigeria Customs Service Onne Area II Command in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has announced a record-breaking revenue collection of over ₦77.3 billion for April 2026, the highest monthly revenue generated by the Command since its establishment.
Speaking during a press briefing held on 14 May 2026 at Onne, the Customs Area Controller, Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, described the feat as unprecedented in the history of the Command and attributed the achievement to improved operational efficiency, strict enforcement measures, and the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
According to Comptroller Alkali, the Command generated a cumulative revenue of ₦258.2 billion between January and April 2026.
He said the performance underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement of government fiscal policies.
“Just last month, in April 2026, the Command recorded its highest monthly revenue collection since inception, generating over ₦77.3 billion,” he stated.
The Customs boss also highlighted a series of anti-smuggling operations carried out by the Command within the review period, revealing that officers intercepted 17 containers laden with prohibited and improperly declared goods with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over ₦2.06 billion.
Providing details of the seizures, Alkali disclosed that in February 2026, officers intercepted a 40-foot container falsely declared as containing plumbing materials.
He explained that investigations revealed that the perpetrators had tampered with the original container number and replaced it with a fake one in a bid to evade Customs duty payments. The seized container had a DPV of ₦185.2 million.
In another operation carried out within the same month, the Command intercepted nine 40-foot containers loaded with assorted contraband items, including bales of fabrics, garments, building and carpentry tools, LED lights, and solar fans.
The seized items were valued at ₦1.25 billion.
Comptroller Alkali stated that the importers violated Sections 231, 233, and 246 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, through document falsification, alteration of container identification marks, and attempted smuggling.
He said the containers and their contents were subsequently detained and converted to seizures in line with the provisions of the law.
The Command also intercepted six 20-foot containers loaded with 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil in April 2026.
According to the Customs Area Controller, the importation contravened Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which prohibits the importation of refined vegetable oils and fats in order to protect local industries and promote indigenous vegetable oil production. The vegetable oil seizure had a DPV of ₦494 million.
In a related development, officers of the Command uncovered a 40-foot container concealing unregistered pharmaceutical products, including about 600 cartons of Hyergra, hidden among cartons of ceiling fans, chilly cutters, and food packs.
The seized drugs and other items were estimated to have a DPV of ₦139.3 million.
Comptroller Alkali warned importers and clearing agents against engaging in smuggling and other illegal trade practices, stressing that the Service remained resolute in its determination to enforce compliance at the nation’s ports.
He urged legitimate traders and stakeholders to adhere strictly to import regulations and avoid activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy.
The Area Controller further commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for what he described as exemplary leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering support to Commands across the country.
He also praised officers and men of the Onne Area II Command for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication to duty, noting that their efforts had been instrumental to the Command’s successes.
Alkali equally appreciated members of the media for their continued partnership with the Service and their role in disseminating accurate information to the public regarding Customs operations and activities.
