Stakeholders at the Area 2 Customs Command at Onne in Rivers State on Wednesday bade farewell to the outgoing Area Controller, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede, who has been moved to take charge of the Zone A Customs Command.
At the ceremony held at the premises of the customs command, the outgoing area controller recalled his exploits and challenges during his tour of duty.
He highlighted the seizure of a 1 x 40 feet container bearing 840 units of assorted rifles and 112,500 live ammunition as one of his most outstanding achievements.
Also, Babandede said that the command excelled in revenue generation during his term, stressing that in 2024, the command was given a revenue target of N618 billion, but at the end of the fiscal year, the command garnered N639 billion.
For the current year, Babandede said that the command was given a N700 billion revenue target, adding that as of August, N477 billion had been generated.
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and government agencies at the port for their cooperation, which enabled him to make the desired impact as area controller.
The outgoing area controller pleaded with the stakeholders to extend the same hand of fellowship to his successor to enable him to succeed.
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The incoming Area Controller, Aliyu Alkali, extolled the virtues of his predecessor, pledging that he would build on his achievements.
He further pledged to run an open-door policy, pointing out that his mission is to facilitate trade and ensure that all parties in the jurisdiction of the area command are satisfied.
Meanwhile, the outgoing area controller announced the seizure of 20 containers bearing contraband with a duty paid value of N13,573,430,630.00.
Conducting journalists round while inspecting the containers, Babandede said most of the containers were laden with illicit drugs.
He vowed that the customs will not relent in the war against importers of illicit drugs and other contraband.
