The Nigerian Government has declared a state of emergency at Onne Port in Rivers State due to ongoing issues with the importation of dangerous and illicit cargo, including arms and ammunition.
This decision was announced by Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during a press conference held on Wednesday. The emergency measures will be in effect for the next three months and involve implementing stringent protocols to thoroughly examine all suspected containers at the port.
Adeniyi explained that the decision was prompted by recurring security breaches and public health risks associated with the activities at Onne Port. He described the port as increasingly being exploited as a destination for dangerous and illegal goods, which poses a significant threat to both national security and public health. Despite recent efforts to enhance trade facilitation at the port, the ongoing criminal activities have highlighted a troubling trend that undermines these efforts.
During the press conference, Adeniyi showcased a series of significant seizures made by the Nigeria Customs Service’s Area 2 Command in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. These seizures included a variety of illicit goods, reflecting the scale of the problem at Onne Port. For instance, a large cache of items was recently intercepted, including military and paramilitary camouflage rain boots, numerous bottles of cough syrup containing codeine, and various pharmaceuticals. The total Duty Paid Value of these seized items amounted to over ₦31 billion, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Adeniyi emphasized that these measures are not intended to disrupt legitimate trade but are necessary to address the severe security and health risks posed by the illegal importations. He assured the business community and legitimate importers that their operations will not be hindered, and the goal is to create a safer and more secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive.
The Comptroller General also called for public support in the fight against smuggling and illegal activities, urging citizens to provide intelligence on those involved in these criminal acts. He reassured the public that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will take decisive action against those found complicit in these crimes.
In conclusion, Adeniyi commended the officers of the Onne Command for their dedication and adherence to customs laws, highlighting their role in protecting national security and public health. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to addressing smuggling and illegal importation and promised continued efforts to ensure that Nigeria remains a safe and secure place for legitimate business activities.
