News
Customs Generates N476 Billion In 8 Months – Babandede
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne Area 2 generated the sum of N476 billion between January and August 2025.
The immediate past Comptroller of the area 2 Command, Mr Muhammad Babandede, stated this on Wednesday, while handing over to the new Comptroller Am Alkali, at the Onne Area 2 Command , Eleme, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Babandede, who resumed at Onne command in May 2024, has now been promoted to the rank of an Assistant Comptroller of Customs and subsequently redeployed to Zone A, Lagos Command.
Recounting his achievements while in Onne, Babandede stated that before his redeployment, he had surpassed half his target for 2025.
“For this year, 2025, my target is N700 billion, as at the end of August, we had already generated N476 billion.
“This feat is a testament to hard work and dedication of officers and men” he said.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Babandede thanked officers and sister agencies at the command for support during his tenure as the Comptroller.
He noted that the support paid off, resulting in high-level achievements under his watch.
“2024 was one of the best years concerning revenue generation.
“My revenue target last year was N618 billion, but we generated N639 billion.
“So far, more than N1.6 trillion has been generated under my leadership, my job was not limited to revenue generation, it also covered trade facilitation too.
“Commendable milestones in the area of trade promotion also topped our mandate as we confiscated 844 assorted rifles, 112,500 rounds of armunitions and over 77 million bottles of Tramadol syrup alongside several illicit, expired medicines and contrabands” he explained.
Babandede also commended the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), NAFDAC, and the DSS for their collaboration.
He also noted that the command during his tenure embarked on several projects for Cooperate Social Responsible to host community, orphanage homes, children as well as persons living with disabilities.
“In furtheranc of commitment to public health and safety, I am pleased to share a recent significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade in medicine.
” Some people take illicit medicine for different reasons without a professional medical prescription.
” For example, codeine syrup and tramadol might be misused for their euphoric effects or to feel relaxed which often leads to addiction, dependence and crime.
” The Command successfully intercepted a total of 20 containers, with a combined duty paid value of #13, 573,430,630.00
” 1,195,400 bottles of codeine Syrup X 100ml each, 3,200,00 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac X 50mg each, 3,500,000 tablets of Benzhexol X 5mg, 1,633 cartons of laboratory equipments, 2,612,400 by 5ml Analgin injection packages, 239,400 packages of diluent ampoules of atesunate injection, 399,700 packages of diluent ampoules of expired Aretemac injection.
“These medicines were imported from India, targeted at the Nigerian market. While being calculative at evading regulatory scrutiny the drugs were carefully snuggled using the tactics of concealing them under the disguise of regular imports of, 6, 720 pieces of chilly cutters, 192 cartons of bench vice, 30 pieces of ceiling fans, 479 pieces plumbing materials, other items include 6,048 pieces of blades, 1,200 pieces of hoes, 20 cartons of wall light, 40 bales of handbags, 39,780 pieces of machetes, 6 bales of used clothes, 1,200 pieces of hoes, 1,050 cartons of tomato paste and 5,250 gallons of Sahala vegetables oil of 25ltrs each.
” Pursuant to the Federal government’s resolution to ensure public health and safety, the officers dedication to duty, demonstration of remarkable vigilance and professionalism played a crucial role in successfully executing the interdictions” Babandede stated.
Meanwhile the new comptroller, Am Alkali, described Onne command as a familiar unit having served in other capacities within maritime space.
“Onne Area 11 Command is not new to me, I have been a member of the maritime family more than once, and I want to assure a smooth work relationship with all stakeholders.
“My agenda is clear, and it includes safety, revenue generation, and security of the country. I assure you that my doors are open for legitimate engagements”Alkali said.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku dual carriageway is nearing completion and will be ready for inauguration by early May.
Speaking after inspecting the project last Wednesday, the governor disclosed that the N80.8 billion road project, currently at about 90 per cent completion, is on track for delivery before the end of April.
The project, which links Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, was awarded to Craneburg Construction Company with a 24-month completion timeline.
Fubara expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, describing the road as a landmark achievement of his administration.
He noted that beyond infrastructure, the project symbolises progress and purposeful governance.
Highlighting its economic and security value, the governor said the road serves as a vital link to Omoku, a major gas hub, and would significantly enhance business activities in the area.
He recalled that the corridor was previously notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery but said the ongoing development had transformed the security outlook.
According to him, improved accessibility will enable security agencies to respond swiftly to emergencies, effectively curbing criminal activities that once plagued the route.
Fubara commended the contractor for adhering to the project timeline, expressing confidence that the road will soon be completed and opened to the public.
Recall that the governor had, during the flag-off ceremony in May 2024, disclosed that the project is funded from the State’s internally generated revenue savings.
Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend.
This raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed last Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault on March 14.
It added that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
“Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran,” UAE added.
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
“Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Others affected include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The list also included Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The Tide reports that this development has sparked concern among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens live and work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in the emirates of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The Nigerian government had in recent years raised concerns over the safety and welfare of its citizens in the country following diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions affecting Nigerians.
Saturday’s attacks have now heightened anxieties within the diaspora community, especially as the Gulf region faces growing military confrontations.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Defence said the country remained fully prepared to confront any threats to its security.
“The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities,” the ministry said.
In a separate update, the ministry noted that its defence systems were still actively intercepting missiles and drones.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports indicate that the attacks form part of a wider escalation of hostilities between Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has continued sustained missile and drone strikes across the Gulf despite protests from neighbouring states.
The strikes were said to be in retaliation for military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Tehran targeted several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, late on Friday and into Saturday.
The attacks also caused infrastructural damage in parts of the UAE.
Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US interests in the UAE would remain legitimate targets.
Iranian state media reported that the group issued the warning after US forces attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The IRGC specifically mentioned ports, docks and military installations linked to the United States as potential targets.
It also urged residents in the UAE to evacuate areas around ports and military facilities to avoid civilian casualties.
Security analysts say the growing exchange of threats and strike across the Gulf could destabilise the region’s economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged the five new commissioners sworn-in last Wednesday to put in their best for the development of the State.
Fubara gave the charge during the swearing-in of the commissioners at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
This followed the successful screening of the five commissioners by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Tuesday.
The five commissioners are Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
The Tide reports that the governor had sent nine commissioner-nominees to the Assembly for screening, but the Assembly confirmed only five nominees and rejected the nomination of four over various allegations.
Those rejected by the Assembly are Prof. Dantonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Demua, Mr. Tamuno Williams, and Otonye Amachree.
The governor congratulated the new commissioners on their appointment, noting that their thorough screening by the Rivers State House of Assembly was a proof of their capabilities.
He urged them to deploy their wealth of experience in various fields and put the State on a fast lane of development.
“Ordinarily, I am supposed to charge you on your responsibilities and how to operate. But that has been taken care of by the screening at the Assembly.
“I believe that going through one of the most rigorous screenings, it is enough to say that for those of you who succeeded, you are fit and ready to deliver to our dear State.
“So there is no further charge. The screening was the charge, so I wish you the best as I don’t expect anything less than the best from you,” Fubara said.
