Port Harcourt Area I Command Records N288.8bn Revenue, Strengthens Trade Facilitation in 2025

The Port Harcourt Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it recorded significant operational milestones in the 2025 fiscal year, generating a total revenue of N288.8 billion and consolidating efforts in trade facilitation, enforcement, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement.

This development was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, Friday 31 January, 2026, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where she outlined the Command’s performance across its statutory mandates for the year under review.

Comptroller Atuluku explained that the revenue figure represents a 43.8 per cent increase compared to the N200.8 billion collected in 2024, amounting to a growth of N87.9 billion.

She added that the Command exceeded its 2025 revenue target of N216.9 billion by N71.8 billion, achieving a performance rate of 133.1 per cent.

According to her, the strong performance was driven by improved compliance monitoring, enhanced cargo examination procedures, automation-driven controls, and sustained sensitisation of stakeholders within the port environment.

She noted that monthly collections remained consistently high throughout the year, with the highest revenue of N33.7 billion recorded in October 2025.

On export trade facilitation, the Area Controller stated that the Command intensified efforts to support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda, processing over 1.11 million metric tonnes of oil and non-oil exports in 2025.

She revealed that the Free on Board (FOB) value of exports handled by the Command stood at $463.6 million, while N838.02 million was realised as Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) charges.

Comptroller Atuluku, however said, “the figures reflect increased participation by exporters, improved documentation compliance, and deliberate steps taken by the Command to streamline export procedures without compromising regulatory standards.”

She further disclosed that the Command sustained intelligence-led enforcement operations throughout the year, resulting in the interception of undeclared pharmaceutical products at the NACHO Shed.

The items, according to her, were discovered during detailed cargo examination and lacked mandatory regulatory certification, in violation of import guidelines governing pharmaceutical products.

She emphasised that the interception underscored the Command’s resolve to prevent the entry of unregulated and potentially harmful goods, particularly those with public health implications, while safeguarding the integrity of the national supply chain.

On capacity building and welfare, Comptroller Atuluku stated that, “officers and men of the Command have benefitted from regular training programmes, operational briefings, and system-focused engagements aimed at strengthening efficiency in automation, risk management, enforcement, and trade facilitation.”

She added that organised sports activities were introduced in November 2025 to promote physical fitness, team bonding, and stress management among personnel.

She also highlighted infrastructural improvements carried out by the Command, including the renovation of the Quarter Guard to enhance access control and security coordination, as well as the upgrade of the Staff Clinic to improve healthcare delivery and working conditions for officers and medical personnel.

In the area of corporate social responsibility, the Area Controller said, “the Command carried out a CSR intervention at Model Primary School I and II, Orominike, Port Harcourt, in December 2025, where educational materials were donated to pupils as part of efforts to support basic education and strengthen community relations.”

She noted that sustained stakeholder engagement remained a critical pillar of the Command’s operations, with structured interactions held throughout the year on initiatives such as the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS – B’Odogwu), the Authorised Economic Operator programme, and the One-Stop Shop initiative.

Expressing her appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller Atuluku said, “Port Harcourt Area I Command appreciates CGC for his leadership and policy direction, as well as officers and men of the Command for their dedication and professionalism, and I want to, on behalf of all the officers and men that the Port Harcourt Area I Command remains committed to consolidating gains and supporting national economic growth and security.”