The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency at the Onne Port in Rivers State following the repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition through the port.
To this effect the government said it is immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, stated this during a press conference to unveil the seizures of illicit goods by Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 command, Onne, in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday.
Adeniyi, said the recurring incidents pose a threat to national security and the health of citizens as the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend which he said also posed a threat to the health of citizens.
The Customs CG stated, “Earlier today, I had 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.
“As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security.
“As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports
Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to trade facilitation and economic development. It is a matter of regret that criminal clements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches.”
In addition, he said, “The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago.
“It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts.
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“Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens.
“Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency examination.
“Seizures on Display: One (1) x 40-feet container: Containing 4,800 pairs of military/paramilitary camouflage rain boots and 67,320 pairs of various rubber footwear, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N923,040,000.”
The Customs CG further explained, “Three 40-feet containers containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a DPV of N4,716,573,846.
