The Nigeria Customs Service at the Port Harcourt II Area Command in Onne said it generated a record 77.3 billion naira in April, while intensifying anti-smuggling operations that led to seizures worth more than 2 billion naira.
Customs Area Controller Aliyu Alkali revealed that the April revenue represented the highest monthly collection since the Command was established.
He said the Command generated 258.2 billion naira between January and April 2026. Alkali attributed the performance to efforts aimed at blocking revenue leakages, facilitating legitimate trade and enforcing compliance with government fiscal policies. “Our officers have remained resolute and professional in carrying out this mandate,” Alkali said in Onne, Rivers State.
The Command also reported several seizures linked to alleged falsification of import documents, concealment of goods and duty evasion. Among the interceptions was a 40-foot container falsely declared as plumbing materials but later found to have altered identification markings, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of 185.2 million naira.
Customs officers also seized nine 40-foot containers carrying fabrics, garments, LED lights, solar fans, building materials and carpentry tools, with a combined DPV exceeding 1.25 billion naira.
In April, the Command said it intercepted six 20-foot containers loaded with 1,100 jerricans of vegetable oil valued at 494 million naira. It added that the importation violated provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, restricting refined vegetable oil imports to support local producers.
It stated that another 40-foot container was found concealing about 600 cartons of unregistered Hyergra drugs hidden among ceiling fans, food packs and other items, with an estimated DPV of 139.3 million naira. Altogether, the Command said it recorded seizures involving 17 containers with a cumulative DPV of more than 2.06 billion naira during the review period.
Alkali warned importers and agents against engaging in unlawful trade practices. He revealed that the Customs Service would sustain surveillance and enforcement operations across the Eastern maritime corridor.
Alkali also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing strategic leadership and praised officers of the Command for their professionalism and vigilance.