As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Commands welcome new controllers due to retirement and redeployments, YM Hasim hands over to Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku at the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, while Comptroller Blessing Iheanacho takes over at the Imo/Abia Area Command
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
In what has been a season of retirements and redeployment of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller TM Hasim welcomes Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, who has taken over as Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command.
Speaking at the handover ceremony the new CAC said, “It gives me great joy and a deep sense of humility to stand before you today as I receive the baton of leadership of this great Command. This is not just a ceremonial moment, it is a defining point in my career, and 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 commended her predecessor, Comptroller YM Hasim for his selfless service and remarkable contributions to the success of this Command, saying he laid a solid foundation in revenue collection, trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement.
She said, “I will strive to build upon this foundation. I wish you the very best in your next assignment and life endeavours. To the senior officers, I come with an open heart and mind. I believe strongly in teamwork, and I know that leadership is not about one person but about collective efforts. I urge you all to give me the same cooperation and commitment you have shown my predecessor, if not more and together we will ensure that this Command continues to stand tall.
“To our stakeholders and other critical partners here today, I see you not just as stakeholders but as partners in progress. The growth of this Command depends on the strength of our collaboration. I promise to keep the doors of dialogue open, to listen, to understand, and to work with you in ways that will strengthen trade, enhance compliance, and bring mutual benefits.”
Speaking further she pledged to lead with fairness, dedication and a human face, adding, “My doors will remain open and I will count on your prayers, cooperation and goodwill to succeed in this new assignment.”
Earlier in his remarks Comptroller YM Hashim who is now in charge of Import and Export Unit, Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters said, “Today is not just about change in leadership; it is about honouring the story of this Command, the hard work of its officers, the bond we have shared and built together with stakeholders. Looking back, I see a Command that has grown stronger, not just because of one person, but because of the collective spirit of everyone in this room.
“The Command was given a revenue target of ₦216 billion with a monthly average of ₦18.077 billion. It might interest you to know that from January to August 2025, the Command recorded revenue collection of over ₦187 billion, leaving only about ₦29 billion to go for the year, with four “ember” months remaining. This collection, when compared to the same period in 2024, which stood at ₦142.5 billion, shows a difference of over ₦45 billion, representing a revenue growth of about 32 percent.”
He further stated that the very big revenue “shoes” of ₦11 billion handed over to him by his predecessor has now expanded as the command recorded a revenue collection of over ₦31 billion in June 2025.
According to him, “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. To each and every one of you, I owe a debt of gratitude.
Meanwhile, with the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi’s bold reforms, innovations and collaborative initiative aimed at overall development, boost for revenue generation, suppress smuggling activities, the NCS has announced Comptroller Blessing Ihenacho as the new CAC of the Imo/Abia Area Command, Owerri, taking over from Comptroller Friday Akpan, who has retired from service.
The handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at the Command’s headquarters. Comptroller Ihenacho, the 26th Area Controller of the Command, was formally introduced by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nnamdi Aligwekwe, a Superintendent of Customs.
In his farewell remarks, Comptroller Akpan expressed gratitude to the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering support during his tenure. He urged them to extend the same level of commitment to his successor, noting that he was leaving the Service fulfilled and in good health.
Responding on behalf of the officers and men of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Administration, DC Kingsley Daniels, applauded Comptroller Akpan for his contributions while steering the affairs of the Command and assured Comptroller Ihenacho of maximum cooperation to enable her to succeed.
Responding, Comptroller Ihenacho commended her predecessor for a seamless handover and wished him a fulfilling retirement. She pledged to strengthen the Command’s operations, particularly in revenue generation and effective implementation of government’s fiscal policies.
“Our success is the CGC’s success; therefore, we cannot afford to fail the CGC Adeniyi. Our officers and men should always uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in discharging their duties,” she stressed, while pledging to work with the team to surpass revenue targets and safeguard the Service reputation.
