State of Emergency at Onne Port

The Federal Government on Wednesday, 4 September 2024, declared a state of emergency at Onne Port, Rivers State, in response to repeated incidents involving the illegal importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition. This action follows the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) recent seizures of illicit goods, signalling an escalating national security concern.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, highlighted that Onne Port is increasingly being exploited as a hub for dangerous and illicit cargo, posing significant threats to national security and public health. In a press conference, he unveiled the interception of 12 containers containing items like military-grade equipment, illegal pharmaceuticals, and drugs with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over NGN 31 billion. These discoveries were made through advanced intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous inspections.

To combat this trend, the government has implemented a three-month emergency protocol at Onne Port, which includes intensified inspections of all suspicious containers. If importers fail to present their containers for examination, customs officials will unilaterally inspect them to verify their contents. While this measure aims to restore the port's integrity, it is designed to minimize disruption to lawful trade activities. The NCS has assured legitimate businesses that efforts will be made to facilitate smooth operations during this period.

Additionally, Adeniyi urged patriotic citizens to provide intelligence on individuals involved in these illegal activities and emphasised that this issue extends beyond customs, calling it a national security concern.

State of Emergency at Onne Port

How ALS Can Assist Vessels Calling Onne Port During the Emergency Protocol

At Agwe Logistics Solutions (ALS), we are committed to supporting vessels calling at Onne Port to ensure full compliance with the heightened security protocols and customs regulations. Our team of experts is ready to help your operations proceed efficiently and without disruption, offering the following services:

1. Comprehensive Documentation Support: ALS ensures that all necessary documentation for your shipments is fully compliant with current customs regulations. Our team will review and prepare all paperwork to avoid any delays caused by incomplete or incorrect documentation.

   
   

2. Inspection Coordination: With intensified inspections now in place, ALS will facilitate communication between your vessel and customs authorities. We will keep you informed of inspection schedules and ensure that all regulatory requirements are met promptly, minimizing delays.

   
   

3. On-the-Ground Assistance: Our team in Onne is equipped to provide real-time support during customs inspections, ensuring full cooperation and compliance. This includes assisting with container presentation and providing the necessary documentation to customs officials for a seamless process.

   
   

4. Proactive Regulatory Updates: ALS will keep you updated on any changes or new requirements issued by the NCS and other relevant agencies during the state of emergency. We will ensure that your vessel operations align with the latest protocols.

At ALS, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate this challenging period with minimal impact on their operations. Our goal is to maintain the smooth flow of your logistics while ensuring complete compliance with the new security measures.

For any enquiries or to discuss specific shipment requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support your logistics needs during this critical time.