By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Nigeria Customs Service, Area II Command, Onne Rivers State says it seized containers of used electronics which has turned e-waste.
The command also disclosed it seized goods with paid alue worth N3,188,454 adding that it generated the sum of N43,430,267,210.00 in the month of June 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Area II Command Onne, Controller Mohammed Babandede stated this during a press briefing and display of the seized goods are the Onne Command, in Rivers State on Friday.
Speaking on the seized used electronics, the Customs Controller said: “Today we have on display a seized container of used electronics which has turned e-waste.
“As you are aware of the environmental effect such waste pose to human lives, for the purpose of disposal we shall be working with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, synergy and in line with section 119 & 245 of the NCS Act to have it disposed.”
In addition to the seized used electronics, the other items seized, according to the NCS include: 4×20 feet containers laden with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics (96 jumbo size in total) with duty paid value of N911,520,011.00.
Also seized were 2×40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup codeine, 80 cartons of Sildenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilky cutter with Duty Paid Value of N2,250,654,000.00.
Babandede further stated that the seized containers will be filed for condemnation at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and shall be subsequently forfeited to the federal government.
The Area II Controller, who emphasised that the seizures were made purely from intelligence, information sharing with sister agencies, and physical examination, thanked the NDLEA for their support and collaboration that made the seizures possible.
On the increase in the generated revenue, Babandede explained that the command generated the sum of N249,752,268,298.28 which translate to 50.4% of the initial target of N494billion and 40.3% of the current annual target N618billion given to it for this year.
He noted that the amount is an increase in revenue generation of N153,213,700,450.15, when compared with the previous year for the same period.
He said: “The Command was initially given a target of N494 billion before it was reviewed to weeks ago to N618 billion as revenue target for year 2024. As at the end of May 2024, the Command had generated a total revenue of two hundred and forty nine billion, seven hundred and fifty two million, two hundred and sixty eight thousand, two hundred and ninety eight naira, twenty eight kobo (N249,752,268,298.28) which translate to 50.4% of the initial target and 40.3% of the current annual target.
“When compared to the same period last year, the command had an increase in revenue generation of one hundred and fifty three billion, two hundred and thirteen million, seven hundred thousand, four hundred and fifty naira, fifteen kobo (N153,213,700,450.15).
It is worthy to note that despite the NLC Strike, Democracy Day and Sallah holiday, as at this morning the Command has generated forty three billion, four hundred and thirty million, two hundred and sixty seven thousand, two hundred and ten naira (N43,430,267,210.00) in the month of June 2024.”