According to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, the government is taking these steps to reduce the amount of hazardous cargo that is frequently imported.

The Nigerian government has implemented stringent emergency procedures after discovering many illegal cargo at the Onne Port in Rivers State, including weapons and medications.

According to Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, the government is taking these steps to reduce the amount of hazardous cargo that is frequently imported.

During a press briefing, Adeniyi disclosed this information while showcasing many recent seizures carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne.

He voiced worry about the growing threat that comes from weapons and other harmful goods being repeatedly imported into the nation via the port.

Adeniyi highlighted initiatives to promote lawful trade when she said, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne.”

But he also said, “It is imperative that you pay close attention to the serious concerns raised by the ongoing national security breaches in Onne Port.”

Adeniyi called the state of affairs depressing, pointing out that the port had turned into a hub for illicit and hazardous cargo, putting public health and national security at serious risk.

Twelve containers that the Customs Service had confiscated were on exhibit at the news briefing. “Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-foot container: 4,800 pairs of rain boots with camouflage patterns from the military and paramilitary and 67,320 pairs of different rubber shoes with a N923,040,000 Duty Paid Value (DPV) are inside.”

A total of N4.7 billion worth of goods, including 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, were discovered inside three more crates.

Adeniyi went on to say that other drugs and goods valued at more than N17.4 billion were taken out of three further containers.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies, will bring the full weight of the law upon anyone found complicit in these crimes against our nation,” he said, assuring Nigerians of ongoing efforts to defend national security.