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Customs Seizes Six Containers Over Law Violation

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has seized six containers for violation of various customs laws.
Briefing journalists on Friday at Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Controller, Area 2 Command, Onne l, Controller Mohammed Babandede, said the six seized containers breached the procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines of the common external tariff 2022-2026 and section 233,234,235,245,246 of Nigeria Customs Service service Act 2023.
He also displayed a seized container of used electronics which has turned to e-waste, adding that such waste causes environmental hazard to human lives.
The Controller said for the purpose of disposal, the NCS is working with the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation, synergy and in line with Sections 119 and 245 of the NCS Act 2023 to have it disposed.
He disclosed that the command was initially given a target of N494 billion and later reviewed it up to N618 billion as revenue target for the year 2024, adding that as at the end of May 2024, the command had generated a total of N249,752,268,298.28 which translated to 50.4 percent of initial target and 40.3 percent of current annual target.
“When compared to the same period last year, the Command had an increase in revenue generation of N153,213,700,450.15.
“It is worthy to note that dispite the Nigeria Labour Congress strike, democracy day, and Sallah holiday, the Command has also generated N43,430,267,210.00 in June 2024. “We are looking forward to continuous rise in revenue generation in the coming months and we are optimistic that we would surpass the annual target by the end of the year”, Controller Babandede stated.
He said on arrival at the Command, he received briefing on activities of the Command from his predecessor, his officers and stakeholders, and then he embarked on courtesy visit to bonded terminals, various sister agencies, and had series of meetings with stakeholders to seek for their cooperation in terms of collaboration, synergy and information sharing in line with the directives of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
He further stated that four by 20 feet containers ladened with bales of clothing, lace and fabrics, that is (nine jumbo size in total) with duty paid value of N911,520,011.00 and also two by 40 feet containers laden with 2,625 cartons of cough syrup, codeine.
“80 cartons of Sildenatil Citrate tablets and 40 cartons of deluxe chilly cutter with duty paid value of N2,250,654,000.00.
“Based on concealment, false declaration, contravention of revised import prohibition guideline and Section 55 sub- section (1) paragraphs (C) and (1) of NCS act 2023, The content of these importations contravenes the provision of the law which prohibit and restricts centain goods for the protection of the public health and safety.
“Put together, the total duty paid value of the seven seized containers stands at N3,188,454,452”, he said.
He further explained that the above seizures were made purely from intelligence gathered and information sharing with sister agencies alongside 100 percent physical examination, stating that investigation was still ongoing through their legal/intelligence unit to arrest the culprits and bring them to book.

By: Kiadum Edookor

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Rivers

Motor Spare Parts, Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union Swears Gets New Chairman in Port Harcourt

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The Owhonda Dickson Motor Spare Parts and Industrial Generators Dealers’ Union operating in Ikoku Port Harcourt, Rivers state has sworn in Mr. Cyril Igbokwe, popularly known as Onyeoma Cy, as its new Chairman.

The brief swearing _in ceremony was held at the union office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Igbokwe expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence his members had shown in him, despite his perceived educational background compared to others. , “I feel very happy to be the chairman of this great union in this great market. I’m proud of my executives for demonstrating commitment and cooperation.” Notably, the executives raised over ?1 million for the inauguration ceremony within an hour.

The new Chairman promised to tackle key challenges facing the union, including security and indiscipline. He vowed to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, who he praised for excellent performance, and aimed to possibly do better.

Mr. Igbokwe emphasized maintaining a robust relationship with the host community and conducting his affairs within the ambit of the law.

In his remarks,the Electoral Committee Chairman’, Igwe Amobichukwu Eze Okorie, assured that the elections were conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. Despite facing challenges such as non-compliance with guidelines and unfounded propaganda campaigns, no formal protest letters had been received.

Also speaking, the Women’s Leader, Lolo Nkechinyere Okolie, expressed faith in the new Chairman, citing his integrity and experience. She highlighted her role in ensuring women’s voices are counted in the union and vouched for the credibility of the election, noting that Mr. Igbokwe was the popular choice among members.

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CDS Urges Communities To Protect Pipelines

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.
Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt.
Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.
He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.
“These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards”, he said.
He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.
Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.
Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.
He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.
He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.
He, however, identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.
A keynote speaker, Mr. Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.
He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.
Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.
On his part, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Mr. Datolu Sokubo,  called for a balanced focus on security and human development.
“You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure”, he said.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.
Represented by Dr. Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.
“We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations”, he stated.
Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.
Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso
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Rivers

Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption

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The Eze Igbu Orlukwor II, Eze Ehie II, HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, has cautioned youths in   his kingdom and Ekpeye at large on the need to  abstain from illicit drugs consumption.
Ehie said this recently while fielding questions from newsmen in commemoration of the 2025 World Drug Abuse Day at his liaison office, Ahoada.
He emphasized that drug abuse was dangerous to the body system as it had harmed many physically, mentally and otherwise.
The Monarch noted that people should always take ‘drugs’ based on prescription by qualified medical and health personnel.
He said youths’ alleged disrespect for constituted authorities, mental challenge and various types of illnesses can be linked to the consumption of illicit drugs.
The Royal Father further noted that except government agencies saddled with the requisite responsibilities synergized with traditional institutions and other like-minded organizations, much may not be achieved against the campaign and fight against illicit drug consumption.
According to him, most youths today can do nothing without taking hard drugs, which he said makes them ‘high’ and hyper elated.
The Orlukwor Monarch wondered how the youths would take over the mantle of leadership at both communities and federal levels with such uncultured behaviour and repugnant attitudes.
The World Day of Drug Abuse,  was tagged, “Breaking The Chains, Prevention, Treatment And Recovery For All”.
King Onunwor
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