By BON PETERS

The Nigeria Customs service Area 1 Command; Port Harcourt Rivers State says it has surpassed its annual revenue target by generating the sum of N288.8B in 2025 fiscal year which according to the command represented a substantial increase when compared to the N200.8 billion collected in the Year 2024.

This disclosure was made last week during a press briefing at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital by the Customs Area 1 Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.

Comptroller Atuluku stated that the said amount translated to a revenue growth of N87.9 Billion, representing 43.8 percent Year-on-Year.

The Customs Area 1 boss, noted that the Command’s revenue target for the year 2025 was N216.9 Billion but the actual collection exceeded the target by a surplus of N71.8 Billion, representing a 33.1 percent performance above target.

The achievement, Comptroller Atuluku emphasized, underscored the effectiveness of improved compliance monitoring, enhanced cargo examination processes, automation-driven controls, and sustained stakeholder sensitization within the Command’s area of responsibility.

The Customs chief added that the monthly revenue performance remained consistently strong throughout the Year, with the highest collection recorded in October 2025, which stood at N33.7 Billion.

According to her, the sustained revenue growth recorded in 2025 further affirmed the Command’s commitment to supporting national economic objectives through efficient Customs administration.

On export trade facilitation, she hinted that in line with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, the Command intensified efforts toward facilitating legitimate export trade adding that within the year under review, the Command processed a total export volume of One Million One Hundred and Eleven Thousand and Seven metric tons, comprising both oil and non-oil commodities with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $463.6 Million which she insisted contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

In addition, Comptroller Atuluku stated that a total sum of N838.02 Million was paid as Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges for both oil and non-oil exports during the year stating that the figures reflected an increased exporter participation, improved documentation compliance, and the Command’s deliberate efforts to streamline export procedures while ensuring adherence to extant regulations.

On Anti-smuggling and enforcement activities, it was disclosed that the Port Harcourt Area I Command sustained vigorous enforcement operations throughout 2025, deploying intelligence-led interventions, risk profiling, and routine cargo examinations to curb smuggling and protect national interests.

Compt Atuluku said “A significant enforcement outcome during the year was the interception of undeclared pharmaceutical products at the NACHO Shed.”

She continued “The interception followed detailed examination and intelligence deployment by officers of the Command. The items intercepted included Progesterone 100mg/2ml, and Isifrane IP 250ml among others, discovered in three packages without the mandatory NAFDAC regulatory certification, contrary to import guidelines governing pharmaceutical products.”

She emphasized that the interception underscored the Command’s unwavering resolve to prevent the entry of unregulated, substandard, or potentially harmful goods, particularly items with public health implications, while maintaining the integrity of the national supply chain.

Speaking on Capacity Building Infrastructural Enhancement And Personnel Welfare, she reiterated that her Command recognized that operational efficiency was directly linked to human capacity and welfare, hence the Command prioritized capacity building and infrastructural development in 2025 where officers and men of the Command benefitted from periodic training programs, sensitization sessions, operational briefings, and system-focused engagements, particularly in areas of Customs automation, risk management, enforcement procedures, and trade facilitation.

She added that in furtherance of personnel welfare and team cohesion, the Command introduced organized sports activities which took effect from 6 November 2025.

The initiative she hinted was designed to promote physical fitness, esprit de corps, stress management, and interpersonal bonding among officers and men.

The sports programme according to her has since contributed positively to staff morale and overall productivity within the Command.

She disclosed that on infrastructural development, the Command successfully renovated the Quarter Guard, thereby enhancing access control, security coordination, and command presence at the main entry point including the Command Staff Clinic which was renovated and upgraded to improve healthcare delivery and working conditions for medical personnel, and beneficiaries.

On Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Comptroller Atuluku emphasized that in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, PhD Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the Command carried out a CSR intervention on December 11, 2025 at Model Primary School I and II, Orominike, D-Line, Port Harcourt.

The Intervention, she noted involved the donation of Customs- branded notebooks, school bags, and school uniforms, aimed at supporting basic education and easing the burden on pupils and parents within the host community.

The Initiative she added was led by herself and honoured by the presence of the National President of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, which she said reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to community engagement, educational support, and youth development

On Stakeholder Engagement, She insisted that the achievements recorded by the Port Harcourt Area I Command in 2025 were further strengthened by sustained engagement with stakeholders across the port environment.

She went further to posit that throughout the year, the Command held structured engagements on key initiatives, including the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS – B’Odogwu), the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the One-Stop Shop initiative among others, all aimed at improving transparency, compliance, predictability, and ease of doing business, even as the Command also hosted an End-of-Year Stakeholders’ Get-Together, which provided a platform for interaction, feedback, and collaboration.

During the event, compliant and supportive stakeholders were recognized and presented with awards in appreciation of their cooperation and contribution to the Command’s successes.

“I express my deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD for his visionary le’dership, strategic reforms, and consistent policy direction” Compt Atuluku said.

She Specially acknowledged members of the Comptroller-General’s Management Team for their guidance, support, and collective commitment to strengthening Customs operations nationwide while commending the officers and men of the Port Harcourt Area I Command whose dedication, discipline, and sense of duty were instrumental to the successes recorded during the year.

She expressed the Command’s resolve to remain resolute in consolidating the gains, strengthening partnerships, and effectively delivering on the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service in support of national economic growth, security, and public interest

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