Rivers

Customs Seizes Six Containers Over Law Violation

Published

2 years ago

June 24, 2024

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has seized six containers for violation of various customs laws.
Briefing journalists on Friday at Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne l, Controller Mohammed Babandede, said the six seized containers breached the procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines of the common external tariff 2022-2026 and section 233,234,235,245,246 of Nigeria Customs Service service Act 2023.
He also displayed a seized container of used electronics which has turned to e-waste, adding that such waste causes environmental hazard to human lives.
The Controller said for the purpose of disposal, the NCS is working with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, synergy and in line with Sections 119 and 245 of the NCS Act 2023 to have it disposed.
He disclosed that the command was initially given a target of N494 billion and later reviewed it up to N618 billion as revenue target for the year 2024, adding that as at the end of May 2024, the command had generated a total of N249,752,268,298.28 which translated to 50.4 percent of initial target and 40.3 percent of current annual target.
“When compared to the same period last year, the Command had an increase in revenue generation of N153,213,700,450.15.
“It is worthy to note that dispite the Nigeria Labour Congress strike, democracy day, and Sallah holiday, the Command has also generated N43,430,267,210.00 in June 2024. “We are looking forward to continuous rise in revenue generation in the coming months and we are optimistic that we would surpass the annual target by the end of the year”, Controller Babandede stated.
He said on arrival at the Command, he received briefing on activities of the Command from his predecessor, his officers and stakeholders, and then he embarked on courtesy visit to bonded terminals, various sister agencies, and had series of meetings with stakeholders to seek for their cooperation in terms of collaboration, synergy and information sharing in line with the directives of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
He further stated that four by 20 feet containers ladened with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics, that is (nine jumbo size in total) with duty paid value of N911,520,011.00 and also two by 40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup, codeine.
“80 cartons of Sildenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter with duty paid value of N2,250,654,000.00.
“Based on concealment, false declaration, contravention of revised import prohibition guideline and Section 55 sub- section (1) paragraphs (C) and (1) of NCS act 2023, The content of these importations contravenes the provision of the law which prohibit and restricts centain goods for the protection of the public health and safety.
“Put together, the total duty paid value of the seven seized containers stands at N3,188,454,452”, he said.
He further explained that the above seizures were made purely from intelligence gathered and information sharing with sister agencies alongside 100 percent physical examination, stating that investigation was still ongoing through their legal/intelligence unit to arrest the culprits and bring them to book.

By: Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

Rivers Police Uncovers Firearm Concealed In Loaf Of Bread

Published

11 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command has foiled what appeared to be a criminal operation and recovered an illegal firearm ingeniously concealed inside a loaf of bread during a routine security operation in Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe in Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the operation formed part of intensified crime prevention measures directed by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at strengthening internal security and curbing criminal activities across the state.

The Command disclosed that the breakthrough occurred along Azikiwe Road by Red Cross Junction, Port Harcourt, when operatives on routine stop-and-search duty intercepted a vehicle and carried out a detailed screening of passengers and their belongings.

During the search, officers reportedly discovered a Browning pistol carefully hidden inside a loaf of bread allegedly belonging to one Braya Nanas, identified as a male resident of New Road, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, who was travelling in the vehicle.

Police said the unusual concealment method immediately raised suspicion, leading to the suspect’s arrest and further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.

Preliminary findings, according to the Command, revealed that the recovered pistol had no visible serial number, creating concerns over its source and possible intended use.

Investigators further quoted the suspect as allegedly admitting ownership of the weapon and stating that he purchased it in Okrika at the rate of N800,000.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, warned that criminal elements continue to adopt increasingly deceptive methods to evade security checks and law enforcement surveillance.

He urged residents of Rivers State to remain alert and security conscious, stressing that the discovery of a firearm hidden inside an everyday food item underscores the need for heightened public vigilance.

The Police Commissioner also cautioned members of the public against accepting, transporting or keeping items whose contents are unknown, noting that such actions could unknowingly aid criminal activities.

The Command, therefore, called on residents to sustain collaboration with security agencies through timely and credible information sharing, insisting that effective policing remains dependent on active community participation and collective responsibility in building a safer Rivers State.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Okrika LG Flags-off TAPP Empowerment Programme, Phase II

Published

11 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

As part of efforts to enhance his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development across the Local Government Area (LGA), the Chairman of Okrika LGA, Hon. Akuro Alfred Tobin, has officially flagged off the second phase of the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway (TAPP) Programme.

The flag-off ceremony, held at the Conference Hall of the LGA’s Council Secretariat, marked another milestone in the council’s drive to improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents through targeted empowerment initiatives.

The event attracted key government officials and stakeholders, including the Secretary to Okrika Local Government Council, Hon. Oforiokuma Kwani; the Special Adviser on Empowerment, Hon. Adokiye Ogbogara; members of the Empowerment Committee; and other council officials.

In a symbolic presentation during the ceremony, the Empowerment Committee, led by its Chairman, Hon. Kingsley Ibanichuka, presented a specially designed photo frame and a commemorative photo book showcasing the achievements and impact of the first phase of the programme.

The committee also unveiled and presented the official branded polo shirt and fez cap for Phase II of the empowerment initiative to the Chairman.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman commended members of the Empowerment Committee for their dedication, transparency, and commitment in implementing the programme.

He noted that the success recorded in the first phase had encouraged the administration to expand the initiative in order to reach more residents and create greater economic opportunities.

According to the council boss, the Tobin Akuro Prosperity Pathway Programme was conceived as a strategic intervention aimed at reducing poverty, stimulating local enterprise, and equipping youths and entrepreneurs with the resources and skills needed to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

He disclosed that under Phase II of the programme, about 400 business owners and traders across Okrika would receive cash grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

The intervention, he said, is expected to boost small-scale enterprises, enhance household incomes, and stimulate economic activities within the local economy.

Tobin further revealed that hundreds of youths would benefit from sponsored vocational and technical skills acquisition programmes in various fields, including scaffolding, fashion designing, welding, makeup and gele artistry, Total Glam, and several other vocational trades considered relevant in today’s economy.

The Chairman emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support, stressing that the programme is designed to build human capacity, encourage entrepreneurship, and create a pathway for sustainable wealth creation among beneficiaries.

“Our vision is to empower our people with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. We believe that when individuals are economically empowered, families become stronger, communities become more prosperous, and development becomes sustainable”, he stated.

He urged prospective beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by applying themselves diligently to the skills training and utilizing the grants responsibly to achieve long-term economic growth.

Tobin also reassured residents that his administration would continue to implement people-oriented policies and programmes aimed at improving living standards and expanding opportunities for all segments of society.

Observers at the event described the TAPP initiative as one of the most impactful empowerment programmes undertaken by the present administration, citing its focus on entrepreneurship development, youth engagement, and poverty reduction.

Meanwhile, the main empowerment event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during which beneficiaries are expected to receive cash grants and vocational training support packages.

Since its inception, the TAPP has emerged as the flagship empowerment programme of the Okrika Local Government administration, touching lives across communities and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic prosperity, and the overall welfare of the people of Okrika.

The commencement of Phase II is expected to further consolidate the gains of the programme, while opening new opportunities for hundreds of residents seeking economic advancement and self-sufficiency.

Michael T. Abraham

Rivers

Urban Development Ministry, Others Strengthen Collaboration On Building Safety

Published

11 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Hart, has said the Ministry has intensified efforts to improve the safety of buildings through stronger collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

Amairigha, who said this at a strategic inter-agency meeting held in Port Harcourt, weekend, disclosed that the collaboration is aimed at establishing a unified operational framework to prevent overlaps and ensure coordinated action among agencies involved in the built environment.

Stressing the importance of collaboration in preventing structural failures and building collapses, the Commissioner said the regulatory and emergency response agencies must work together to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards and due process at every stage of construction.

He commended the prompt response of the Federal Housing Authority and NEMA to the recent building collapse along Peter Odili Road, describing their swift mobilisation as crucial to ongoing rescue efforts.

Providing an update on the incident, Hart disclosed that search, rescue and evacuation operations were still in progress.

He added that technical teams were carrying out a controlled demolition of the remaining lift shaft and stair core to prevent a secondary collapse and safeguard rescue personnel as well as neighbouring properties.

The Commissioner further emphasised that collaboration among agencies should go beyond emergency situations, noting that proactive monitoring and enforcement are essential to preventing future construction-related disasters.

The meeting ended with participants harmonising operational information and agreeing on measures to strengthen supervision, compliance monitoring and joint inspections of ongoing and future construction projects across Rivers State.

The resolution is expected to enhance coordination among state and federal agencies and promote safer building practices in the state.

King Onunwor