By: Felix Ikpotor
As part of it’s revenue generation mandate, the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area 2 Command, Onne, Rivers State has generated the sum of N258.2 billion between January and April 2026 into the Federal Government coffers, and intercepted 17 containers carrying contraband goods worth N2.069 billion within the period.
The Command’s Controller , Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, who disclosed this on Thursday at the Command’s Headquarters in Onne, while briefing Journalists on the achievements of the command from January to April, 2026,noted that the feat is the highest in the Command’s history.
He said in April alone, the command recorded N77.3 billion, describing it as the highest monthly revenue in its history, adding that the total collection for the first four months of 2026 standing at N258,204,841,355.66.
“Just last month, in April 2026, the Command recorded the highest revenue collection in a month since its inception, generating over N77.3 billion.
”It is worthy of note that the command has from January to April 2026 recorded Two Hundred and Fifty-Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-One Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Naira, Sixty-Six Kobo (N258,204,841,355.66). Which is also an unprecedented collection in the history of the command.
“This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the enforcement of extant government fiscal policies,” he said.
On the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts during the period, Alkali said a total of 17 containers with a Duty Paid Value of N2.069 billion were seized for various violations of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
”In February, officers intercepted a 1×40-foot container falsely declared to contain plumbing materials but found to have a concealed and altered container number in an attempt to evade duty payment. The Duty Paid Value was put at N185.22 million.
”Also in February, nine 40-foot containers laden with bales of fabrics, building and carpentry tools, LED lights, solar fans, and garments were seized. The items, valued at N1.25 billion, were found to contravene Sections 231, 233, and 246 of the NCS Act, 2023, relating to alteration of marks and numbers, document falsification, and attempted smuggling.
”In April, the command intercepted six 20-foot containers carrying 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil valued at N494 million which violated Section 55 of the NCS Act, which prohibits the importation of refined vegetable oils and fats to protect local producers,” he stated.
Furthermore, controller said another 1×40-foot container was found concealing unregistered drugs, including 600 cartons of Hyergra, hidden among cartons of chilly cutter, ceiling fans, and food packs, adding that the consignment had a Duty Paid Value of N139.35 million.
“The total Duty Paid Value for all the seized 17 containers is N2,069,936,800.00,” Alkali stated.
The Area 2 customs boss warned importers and agents against engaging in smuggling and other illegal trade practices, reiterating the Service’s commitment to combating such activities at the port, while calling on compliant traders to continue operating within the law.
While praising officers of the command for their professionalism and vigilance, Alkali also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and support.
