The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has commended the performance of the Onne Area II Customs Command under Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, promising to push for solutions to the operational challenges facing the command.
The commendation came during the committee’s two-day oversight visit to Customs Zone C, which concluded with a working visit to the Onne Port on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Leke Abejide, praised the command’s achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and inter-agency collaboration. He noted that despite challenges such as inadequate accommodation, lack of operational vehicles, and the need for additional scanners, the command had surpassed its revenue targets.
“We are satisfied with what we saw. Despite the challenges, Comptroller Babandede has exceeded his first quarter revenue target. If I were to score him, I would give him 99%,” Abejide said.
He highlighted the importance of Onne as the third most critical customs hub after Apapa and Tin Can, adding, “We decided to scrutinize Onne carefully, and the command’s performance is impressive.”
The committee also applauded the interception of illicit drugs and arms by the command, worth over ₦10 billion, emphasizing the contribution to national security. Abejide recalled that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, had personally received the seized items and handed them over to the appropriate authorities.
Assuring the command of legislative support, Abejide said, “We have noted your challenges. When we return to Abuja, we will work closely with the CGC to ensure that these issues are addressed in the 2025 budget and through necessary interventions during plenary.”
The Zonal Coordinator of Zone C, Assistant Comptroller General S.K. Dangaladima, expressed optimism that the lawmakers’ visit would translate into improved welfare and operational capacity for officers at Onne. “The committee has seen firsthand the gaps we are facing, and we are hopeful these will soon be addressed,” he said.
Speaking on the command’s achievements, Comptroller Babandede disclosed that Onne Area II Command raked in over ₦190 billion in the first quarter of 2025, representing a 17.12% increase compared to 2024. He added that the command consistently surpassed its ₦58 billion monthly revenue target, often generating between ₦60 billion and ₦66 billion.
Babandede also revealed that eight officers and men who played key roles in major seizures had been specially promoted by the Comptroller-General of Customs as part of reward mechanisms to boost morale.
The lawmakers’ visit included an inspection of the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) facilities, the only operational scanner at the terminal, and a stopover at Intel’s facilities. Critical maritime industry stakeholders such as terminal operators, bonded terminal operators, and freight forwarders were also present at the event.
