By Andrew Utulu
The elevation of Muhammad Babandede to the rank of Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been met with resounding commendations from maritime and trade stakeholders. Widely regarded as a reform-driven officer, Babandede’s appointment is seen as a recognition of his sterling contributions to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
The announcement of Muhammad Babandede as an Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Customs by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across the maritime and trade sectors.
Babandede’s elevation is widely seen as a recognition of his proven track record of reforms, innovation, and outstanding performance in revenue generation and trade facilitation. Since his promotion to the rank of Customs Area Controller (CAC), he has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership, transforming every command he was assigned to.
Notably, as the pioneer CAC of the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Babandede repositioned the command into a vibrant hub for non-oil exports. His efforts significantly boosted the federal government’s drive to diversify revenue sources and strengthen Nigeria’s export base.
He later replicated similar success at the Lekki Deep Seaport Command, where he introduced far-reaching reforms that streamlined operations, reduced bottlenecks, and led to an unprecedented rise in revenue generation. His tenure at Lekki also enhanced investor confidence in the port, positioning it as a model for modern port administration in Nigeria.
Before he was appointed ACG, Babandede made further strides as the Customs Area Controller of Onne Command. Under his leadership, the command recorded historic revenue collection figures while intensifying anti-smuggling operations. His balanced approach—combining strict enforcement with trade facilitation—earned him respect from industry players and solidified his reputation as a results-driven officer.
Babandede Revenue Records As CAC Onne Port
For instance, since he was appointed the CAC of Onne command and since he took over in May, 2024, the command generated over N860billion from import and intercepted contraband worth over N200billion.
According to statistics made available to our correspondent, the command in May 2024 generated N47.421billion; N62.342billion in June; N62.847billion in July; N47.725billion in August; N49.502billion in September; N64.683 billion in October; N51 .795billion in November and N50.820 billion was generated in December 2024.
However, in 2025, the Command generated N61.489billion in January; N62.371billion in February, N66.709billion in March; N54.312billion in April; N64.034 billion in May; N56.349billion in June and N57.518 billion in July, making a whopping N859.947 billion in 15 months as CAC of the command.
Onslaught Against Smugglers
On Anti Smuggling, ACG Babandede intercepted contraband worth over N200billion, such as assorted rifles, ammunition, expired pharmaceuticals, fake drugs and even banned substances such as Codeine, Tramadol and others.
Giving a breakdown, the seizures are 544 assorted rifles; 112,500 rounds of ammunition; over 75 million tablets of tramadol 225mg; over 14 million bottles of cough syrup with codeine; over 50 million tablets of other dangerous expired medicines, all with a Duty paid Value (DPV) of over N200billion.
CGC’s Commendation of ACG Babandede Over The Seizure
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, however, commended Babandede over his exploits in disrupting the illegal trade through massive seizures.
The CGC who expressed appreciation to Babandede and his team, said the seizure is not only a Customs success but a national security concern that affects every Nigerian.
The Customs helmsman applauded Babandede and his team for exhibiting professionalism and due diligence in carrying out their duties.
The Customs CG said Onne Customs, under the leadership of Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, beat smugglers and importers of contraband at their game.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the officers of the Port Harcourt Area 2 Command for their relentless efforts in safeguarding our nation. Your dedication to duty and your commitment to the fight against smuggling are commendable, and I want to assure you that your efforts do not go unnoticed even as he noted that “these seizures were made in strict compliance with customs laws, particularly concerning concealment, false declaration, and the importation of prohibited items.”
“The items will be dealt with as per the legal frameworks governing our activities. As we move forward, I want to reiterate our commitment to continuing this momentum. The Nigeria Customs Service, under my leadership, will leave no stone unturned in our mission to protect the health and safety of Nigerians.
“We will strengthen our intelligence networks, enhance our inter-agency collaborations, and ensure that those who seek to harm our nation face the full weight of the law.”
Concluding, he said.” I want to assure all Nigerians that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to be a formidable force in the fight against smuggling and the illegal importation of harmful goods. We will remain steadfast in our duties to ensure that our nation remains a safe place for all to thrive.”
Encomiums For Intercepting N200bn Worth Of Contraband
On the dangers such goods would pose to the nation at large, the Comptroller General of Customs said he was calling on all patriotic citizens to assist the Nigeria Customs Service as according to him, the issue was not that of Customs alone but the generality of the people as any information shared with the Customs would help prevent what he described as a potential catastrophe.
“I want to emphasise that this is not just a Customs issue – it is a national security concern that affects every Nigerian. We are therefore calling on all patriotic citizens to assist us in this crucial endeavour. We need your help in providing intelligence regarding those behind these nefarious acts and their intentions. Your information, no matter how small, could be the key to preventing a potential catastrophe. Therefore, effective immediately, we are implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port. For the next three months, we will be conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers. If the owners do not come forward for examination, we will open these containers to verify their contents. This is a temporary but necessary measure to clean up the port and restore its integrity” he maintained
Inter-Agency Collaboration Yield Fruits
The Customs CGC described the event as historic. He highlighted the critical role of institutional collaboration in achieving the seizure, particularly the contributions of NDLEA, NAFDAC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
“The seizure involved eleven 40-foot containers of illicit medicines, four micro containers of bottled water, and one container of salt. This success reflects the strength of our collaboration, which aligns with the Service’s policy of unity through cooperation, consolidation, and innovation,” Adeniyi stated
Conclusion
With his elevation, maritime stakeholders believe that Babandede’s wealth of experience and reform-minded leadership will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate in revenue collection, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation, particularly at a time when the service is under pressure to meet rising fiscal expectations for national development.
