By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has exceeded its 2025 revenue target, generating a total of N288.8 billion in the fiscal year, representing a significant increase over the N200.8 billion recorded in 2024.
The disclosure was made during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt by the Area Controller, Salamatu Atuluku, who said the figure reflected a revenue growth of N87.9 billion, amounting to a 43.8 per cent year-on-year increase.
According to her, the Command had been given a revenue target of N216.9 billion for 2025 but surpassed it by N71.8 billion, translating to a performance level of 33.1 per cent above target.
Comptroller Atuluku attributed the achievement to improved compliance monitoring, enhanced cargo examination procedures, automation-driven controls and sustained stakeholder sensitisation within the Command’s area of responsibility.
She noted that monthly revenue performance remained strong throughout the year, with the highest collection of N33.7 billion recorded in October 2025, adding that the consistent growth underscored the Command’s commitment to supporting national economic objectives through efficient customs administration.
On export trade facilitation, Atuluku said the Command intensified efforts in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, facilitating legitimate export trade across its ports. She disclosed that within the year under review, the Command processed a total export volume of 1,111,007 metric tonnes of oil and non-oil commodities, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $463.6 million, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
She added that N838.02 million was paid as Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges for oil and non-oil exports in 2025, reflecting increased exporter participation, improved documentation compliance and deliberate efforts by the Command to streamline export procedures while ensuring adherence to extant regulations.
On enforcement activities, the Area Controller said the Command sustained vigorous anti-smuggling operations throughout the year, deploying intelligence-led interventions, risk profiling and routine cargo examinations to protect national interests.
She disclosed that a major enforcement outcome was the interception of undeclared pharmaceutical products at the NACHO Shed, following detailed examination and intelligence deployment by officers of the Command. The seized items included Progesterone 100mg/2ml and Isifrane IP 250ml, among others, found in three packages without mandatory NAFDAC certification.
According to her, the interception underscored the Command’s resolve to prevent the entry of unregulated, substandard or potentially harmful goods, particularly items with public health implications.
Speaking on capacity building, infrastructure and personnel welfare, Atuluku said the Command prioritised human capacity development in 2025, noting that officers benefited from periodic training programmes, sensitisation sessions and system-focused engagements, especially in customs automation, risk management, enforcement procedures and trade facilitation.
She added that organised sports activities were introduced from November 6, 2025, to promote physical fitness, teamwork, stress management and esprit de corps, a move she said had positively impacted staff morale and productivity.
On infrastructure, the Comptroller disclosed that the Command renovated its Quarter Guard to enhance access control and security coordination, while the Command Staff Clinic was also upgraded to improve healthcare delivery and working conditions for personnel.
In the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, Atuluku said the Command carried out a CSR intervention on December 11, 2025, at Model Primary School I and II, Orominike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, where customs-branded notebooks, school bags and uniforms were donated to pupils.
The initiative, she said, was led by the Command and graced by the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to community engagement, education and youth development.
On stakeholder engagement, Atuluku said sustained interaction with port stakeholders contributed significantly to the Command’s successes. She noted that engagements were held on initiatives such as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS – B’Odogwu), the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme and the One-Stop Shop initiative, all aimed at improving transparency, compliance and ease of doing business.
She added that an End-of-Year Stakeholders’ Get-Together was also organised, during which compliant stakeholders were recognised and presented with awards for their cooperation and support.
Atuluku expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, for his leadership and reforms, while also commending officers and men of the Port Harcourt Area I Command for their dedication and discipline.
She reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to consolidate its gains, strengthen partnerships and continue to deliver on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service in support of national economic growth, security and public interest.
