General
Customs Destroy 64 Containers of Substandard, Illegal Goods
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has destroyed over 64 containers of substandard and illegally imported pharmaceutical products worth billions of Naira in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The destruction took place on Wednesday at the Rivers State Waste Management dump site along the Port Harcourt Airport road, as part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal drug imports.
Speaking at the site, Assistant Controller General of Customs, Mr Timi Bomodi, who also chairs the committee for the destruction of illegally imported pharmaceuticals, emphasized that the exercise was a joint operation led by a multi-agency committee set up by the NSA, Mr Nuhu Ribadu.
“The mandate given to this committee was to identify, isolate, evacuate, and destroy pharmaceuticals that were illegally imported into this country,” Mr Bomodi stated.
He revealed that the Port Harcourt operation involved the destruction of 64 containers, with an estimated market value running into hundreds of billions of Naira.
Mr Bomodi warned that illegally imported pharmaceuticals pose serious health and security risks, as they often fall into the hands of criminals, kidnappers, and bandits, who use them to sustain their illicit activities.
“These pharmaceuticals pose a grave danger, not only to the health and well-being of Nigerians but also to national security. Some of these substances have been identified as enablers of criminal activities,” he said.
The Customs official disclosed that several arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing to prosecute those behind the illegal imports.
“There are cases in court, and some have already been prosecuted. Some of these containers had fictitious import documents, making it difficult to trace the exact importers, but we are making every effort to bring those involved to justice,” Mr Bomodi assured.
He also sent a strong warning to those engaged in smuggling illegal pharmaceuticals.
“We ask them to cease and desist. This is not a profitable business, and the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them.”
Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Mr Kelechi Ogbonna reaffirmed that the operation was part of a national effort to remove dangerous drugs from circulation.
“The aim is for these items not to find their way back into society in any way. If allowed, they will pose serious health risks and also contribute to insecurity,” Mr Ogbonna said.
He revealed that the first phase of the destruction exercise in Lagos had already eliminated over 70 containers, while more than 100 containers remain to be destroyed in subsequent phases.
The ongoing crackdown has identified major entry points for illegal pharmaceuticals, including Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Onne Port, Calabar Port, Lagos, and Aminu Kano International Airport.
Mr Ogbonna praised the multi-agency approach, stating that the collaboration between security agencies and state governments aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to combat illegal activities.
“The cooperation from Lagos State, Rivers State, and the Federal Government shows a collective effort to rid our country of these illegal substances,” he added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism9 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking7 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn