The Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State remits ₦33.7 billion in October 2025, while the Area 2 Command Onne sets new revenue record with N76.07 billion in October, just as the Ibeto Command Area 5 records ₦7.7 billion in four months as Comptroller Yahaya pledges to further drive revenue growth
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Port Harcourt Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has recorded N33.7 billion for October 2025, the highest monthly performance, surpassing its annual target with two months remaining in the year.
The figure represents an increase from the ₦9.079 billion collected in the same month last year, indicating a significant leap in the Command’s revenue drive, representing an increase of a whopping 272 percent.
Reacting to the revenue takings, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, who described the achievement as a reflection of renewed dedication, reforms and stronger collaboration within the service, noted that the amount was the highest monthly revenue ever recorded by the command.
A statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Barilule Aanee, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASCI) quoted the CAC as saying that the command’s performance for the month and for the period between January and October 2025 demonstrated how teamwork and innovation helped promote legitimate trade, block revenue leakages and support national development
“The Command has also exceeded its annual revenue target, collecting a total of ₦247.461 billion between January and October 2025, well above its target of ₦216 billion. The figure also surpassed the ₦164.080 billion realized during the corresponding period in 2024.
“With an annual revenue target of N216 billion and a monthly average target of N18.07 billion, the controller said the command had already exceeded its full year target by more than N31 billion by the end of October. She attributed the performance to strategic leadership, renewed operational discipline and the dedication of officers under her command,” the statement reads.
Atuluku also highlighted the impact of the Unified Customs Management System, otherwise known as B’Odogwu, which she described as a digital analytics and monitoring platform that tracks and improves revenue processes, adding that through the platform, the command has been able to identify bottlenecks, improve data accuracy and ensure real time accountability.
Further she added that the command had strengthened collaboration with sister agencies and other stakeholders, improving transparency, encouraging voluntary compliance and reducing disputes at the port.
Comptroller Atuluku further assured that the Command would continue to enhance intelligence driven operations and adopt modern strategies to ensure sustained revenue growth and improved service delivery.
The statement also revealed that Atuluku, attributed the outstanding performance to the reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi.
Also, the newly created Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Area 5 Command of the NCS has continued its impressive revenue pursuit, generating N2.5 billion in October 2025 with an increase of ₦569.4 million over the ₦1.93 billion recorded in September.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller (CAC) Usman Yahaya, disclosed that the command generated ₦7.76 billion between July and October 2025, reflecting a consistent upward trajectory since he assumed office, adding that the command collected ₦1.37 billion in July, ₦1.99 billion in August, ₦1.93 billion in September and ₦2.5 billion in October.
He attributed the steady growth to the command’s “renewed operational discipline, stakeholder engagement, and full alignment with the strategic vision” of the CGC Adewale Adeniyi
“The increase in our revenue collection is a direct result of enhanced trade facilitation measures, improved officer dedication, and stronger collaboration with our stakeholders,” he said.
The Area Controller noted that since his assumption of duty, the command has implemented several reforms inspired by the Comptroller General of Customs policy thrust emphasizing maximum revenue collection, anti-smuggling enforcement, and seamless trade facilitation through technology driven processes.
Comptroller Yahaya commended Adeniyi for introducing technological innovations such as the B’Odogwu platform, which he said has significantly improved operational efficiency and transparency at the command.
As part of efforts to reposition the command, Yahaya disclosed that he engaged the management of Ibeto Group to enhance working conditions, expand office spaces, and improve the cargo examination area initiatives.
In line with the Service’s emphasis on robust stakeholder collaboration, the Area Controller recently hosted Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Group, who pledged continued support for Customs operations at the terminal.
Yahaya also commended the officers recently, who were recently promoted in the command, urging them to “brace up for higher responsibilities” and remain committed to the NCS mandate, saying, “Promotion comes with greater expectations. We must continue to show the highest level of professionalism and dedication in carrying out our duties.”
The Controller further revealed plans to train officers on key Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) modernization initiatives such as Advanced Ruling (AR), Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and the newly launched One-Stop-Shop (OSS) for enhanced trade facilitation.
To strengthen inter-agency cooperation, Yahaya said the command has also established new working relationships with sister agencies including the Nigerian Police Force and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
With the steady growth in revenue and ongoing institutional reforms, the Ibeto Command is fast emerging as a model for efficiency and strategic leadership within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Meanwhile, the Area II Command of the NCS has achieved a landmark milestone with a record-breaking revenue collection of N76, 075, 447, 369. 83 in October 2025.
In a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Theophilus Duniya, a Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), said the achievement marks the highest monthly revenue in the Command’s history, highlighting the impact of decisive leadership and unified collaboration within the Command.
“This record-breaking performance is attributed to the deliberate and conscious stakeholder engagement spearheaded by Comptroller Aliyu M Alkali. This was achieved through the ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and consistent engagement with unit heads, emphasizing the importance of facilitating legitimate trade, compliance and adding value to the Command’s operations. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the improved revenue performance.
“This exceptional performance underscores Comptroller Alkali’s unwavering commitment to national economic growth through effective revenue generation, enforcement of compliance with international trade regulations and facilitating legitimate trade.
“Furthermore, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Aliyu M Alkali, strategically deployed officers to their current beats based on operational needs, ensuring optimal resource allocation and efficiency across the Command. This proactive measure has enhanced the Command’s capacity to meet and exceed its monthly revenue targets”
Comptroller Alkali, expressed his gratitude to all the port’s stakeholders, importers and licenced agents and all the officers and men of the Command for their patriotism, synergy, and commitment to working together towards this historic achievement.
He encouraged all stakeholders to sustain this momentum and strive for even greater accomplishments in the coming months, adding, “This milestone is a testament to what we can achieve through effective teamwork, and dedication to national development. We shall continue to strengthen our system to sustain this momentum.”
