By Bon Peters
ONNE/Nigeria: A leading maritime expert and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Odest Global Resources Ltd, Mr. Chidera Oganuzo, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command, Onne, over its record-breaking N77.3 billion revenue generation for April 2026, describing the achievement as unprecedented and historic in the annals of the command.
Oganuzo, who spoke with journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, praised the Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, for what he described as his commitment, professionalism and firm stance on compliance with cargo clearance procedures and proper documentation.
He noted that the feat could only be achieved through dedication, discipline and effective collaboration among officers, stakeholders and port users operating within the command.
According to him, since assuming office last year, Comptroller Alkali has continued to demonstrate exceptional capacity in revenue generation and trade facilitation, recalling that the command previously generated N76.07 billion in October 2025 before surpassing the figure with over N1 billion increase in April this year.
The bonded terminal operator further disclosed that from January to April 2026, the command generated over N258 billion and intercepted about 17 containers of illicit consignments valued at over N2 billion, a development he said reflects the Controller’s uncompromising commitment to anti-smuggling operations and national economic protection.
“What is happening at Onne today clearly shows that synergy, collaboration and innovation remain critical factors in achieving success within the maritime sector,” he stated.
“Comptroller Alkali has created a strong working relationship among licensed agents, bonded terminal operators, sister government agencies, and officers and men of the command. The result of that collaboration is the impressive performance we are witnessing today.”
Oganuzo expressed satisfaction with the level of stakeholder engagement and professionalism demonstrated by the Customs Area Controller, assuring that his company would continue to support efforts aimed at ensuring that prohibited and unwholesome goods do not exit its terminal.
He also pledged continued adherence to the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, geared towards revenue generation, trade facilitation and the fight against smuggling.
Speaking on the role of bonded terminals in the maritime industry, Oganuzo explained that bonded terminals have significantly contributed to decongestion of the ports, improved trade facilitation and enhanced ease of doing business at the Onne Port.
He described the relationship between Odest Global Resources Ltd and the Customs command as cordial and productive, while commending officers and men of the command for prioritising national interest in the discharge of their duties.
Oganuzo expressed optimism that with the calibre of officers under Comptroller Alkali’s leadership, the command would continue to generate more revenue for the Federal Government.
He assured customers of prompt cargo handling and efficient service delivery, stressing that Odest Global Resources Ltd would remain committed to timely release of containers and customer satisfaction.
The maritime stakeholder, however, urged port users and operators to remain compliant with existing regulations and avoid activities capable of undermining maritime business operations, particularly within Nigeria’s Eastern corridor.
