Port-Harcourt II Area Command Records Historic Revenue Performance, Intensifies Smuggling Effort

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, has recorded what authorities described as an unprecedented revenue performance, while also tightening its grip on smuggling activities along the nation’s Eastern maritime corridor. Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Onne on Thursday, 14 May 2026, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, outlined the Command’s major achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations at the port. According to Comptroller Alkali, the Command generated over ₦77.3 billion in April 2026 alone, the highest monthly revenue collection ever recorded since the Command's establishment. He further disclosed that between January and April 2026, the Command generated a total of ₦258.2 billion, describing the figure as a landmark achievement in the Command's history. “This unprecedented revenue performance reflects the commitment of the Command to blocking leakages, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring full compliance with government fiscal policies. Our officers have remained resolute and professional in carrying out this mandate,” he said. Beyond revenue generation, the Command also uncovered several sophisticated smuggling attempts during the review period, exposing what he described as desperate tactics by some importers and agents to evade Customs duties. According to him, one such interception occurred in February 2026, when Customs officers uncovered a 40-foot container falsely declared as containing plumbing materials. Investigations later revealed that the original container identification number had allegedly been tampered with and replaced in an attempt to smuggle the cargo out of the port without paying the appropriate duties. The seized container had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦185.2 million. In another operation during the same month, officers intercepted nine additional 40-foot containers loaded with assorted goods, including fabrics, garments, LED lights, solar fans, building materials, and carpentry tools. The containers, with a combined DPV of over ₦1.25 billion, were reportedly linked to violations involving falsification of import documents, alteration of marks and numbers, and attempted evasion of Customs duties. The anti-smuggling drive continued in April when the Command intercepted six 20-foot containers carrying 1,100 jerricans of Super Delicieux Vegetable Oil valued at ₦494 million. Alkali explained that the importation contravened Section 55 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which restricts the importation of refined vegetable oils to encourage local production and protect indigenous manufacturers. Also seized was a 40-foot container concealing about 600 cartons of unregistered Hyergra drugs hidden among ceiling fans, chilly cutters, and food packs. The illicit pharmaceutical products and other concealed items carried an estimated DPV of ₦139.3 million. Altogether, the Command recorded seizures involving 17 containers with a cumulative Duty Paid Value of over ₦2.06 billion during the review period. “We want to send a strong warning to all importers and agents involved in unlawful activities that the Nigeria Customs Service will not relent in its fight against smuggling and other illegal trade practices. Our surveillance and enforcement mechanisms remain active and effective, and anyone attempting to circumvent the law will face the full consequences,” he warned. He, however, encouraged compliant traders to continue conducting legitimate business in line with extant laws and import regulations. Alkali commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership and institutional support that continues to enhance operational efficiency across Commands nationwide.