By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, witnessed a change of leadership on Thursday as Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed duty, succeeding Comptroller YM Hashim, who has been redeployed to the Import and Export Unit at the NCS Headquarters, Abuja.
The handover ceremony, held in Port Harcourt and attended by officers, stakeholders, and members of the press, was marked by emotions and tributes. Comptroller Atuluku, visibly delighted by her new assignment, described the occasion as a defining moment in her career.
“This is not just a ceremonial moment; it is a defining point in my career,” she said. “I am grateful to God Almighty, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for finding me worthy of this responsibility.”
Atuluku paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, describing Comptroller Hashim’s tenure as one that laid a solid foundation in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement. She pledged to build on that legacy while emphasizing teamwork, inclusiveness, and partnership with stakeholders.
“To my senior officers, I come with an open heart and mind. Leadership is not about one person but collective effort. I urge you all to give me the same cooperation and commitment you gave my predecessor, if not more,” she appealed.
She also assured stakeholders and the press of open dialogue and collaboration. “The growth of this Command depends on the strength of our collaboration. Gentlemen of the press, you are an important bridge between us and the public. I will lead with fairness, dedication, and a human face.”
Earlier, the outgoing Comptroller Hashim delivered his scorecard, announcing that the Area 1 Command generated ₦187 billion in the first eight months of 2025, leaving only ₦29 billion to meet its ₦216 billion annual target. He highlighted the steady growth in revenue collection since he took over in October 2023, when the Command closed the year with ₦116.5 billion—representing a 26.18% increase from 2022. By 2024, revenue had climbed above ₦200 billion, a 72.41% jump from the previous year.
“These figures are not just numbers; they tell the story of sacrifice, teamwork, and the tireless commitment of officers and men of this Command, supported by our stakeholders,” Hashim said, while urging the officers and partners to extend the same support to his successor.
Goodwill messages flowed from officers, stakeholders, and trade groups. Deputy Controller SE Ntuen and DC MA Ayoola hailed Hashim’s leadership style, while Dr. Emmanuel Oko, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in Rivers State, described his tenure as impactful for clearing agents. They pledged full cooperation to Comptroller Atuluku.
The ceremony climaxed with the presentation of an Award of Excellence to Hashim by serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the Command, who hailed him as a “father figure.”
The event was attended by representatives of ANLCA, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.
