The Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt, under the control of Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, has generated a total sum of ₦24.7 billion in the month of September, 2025.
Comptr. Salamatu Atuluku
Briefing newsmen at Area 1 Customs Command in PortHarcourt, the Rivers State capital on the 7th of October, 2025, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku disclosed that the Command also impounded some concealed illicit drugs at the PortHarcourt International Airport Omagwa.
Speaking further at the briefing, Comptr. Salamatu Atuluku said: “This briefing is an important one for us as it highlights two key achievements of the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command; our remarkable revenue performance for September 2025 as well as the interception of some control drugs at the PortHarcourt International Airport.
“This marks my first full month as the Customs Area Controller of this Command, and it gives me great pride to announce the excellent revenue performance we recorded in September.
“In September 2025, the PortHarcourt Area 1 Command generated a total revenue of ₦24.7 billion, compared to ₦12.5 billion recorded in the same period in 2024. This represents a difference of ₦12.2 billion, showing an impressive 97.6% increase over the previous year’s figure.
“This remarkable achievement is not just a number on paper; it reflects the hard work, commitment, and renewed zeal of the officers and men of this Command, who keyed into the vision of efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
“When we look at the broader picture, the third quarter of 2025 has also been very rewarding. The Command recorded a total of ₦72 billion in the third quarter of 2025, compared to ₦48.3 billion generated in the same period in 2024.
“This shows a revenue difference of ₦23.7 billion, representing a 49% increase. This growth clearly shows that the Command is on a steady upward trajectory in revenue collection and operational performance.
“I want to sincerely acknowledge the efforts of the immediate past Area Controller of this command, Comptroller YM Hashim, whose leadership and groundwork laid a solid foundation for this success. His contributions set the pace for the strong third-quarter performance, which we have continued to build upon.
“Our revenue drive is in full alignment with the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose innovative policies and reforms have created an enabling environment for Commands across the country to perform optimally.
“The management team of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to provide guidance, tools, and motivation that inspire officers to achieve more. Their emphasis on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation remains the driving force behind our recent success.
“I must also commend the officers and men of the PortHarcourt Area 1 Command for their unwavering dedication and teamwork. Their support and cooperation have been instrumental in realizing these achievements despite the challenges we face daily.
” We are also grateful to our stakeholders and sister agencies for their cooperation. Customs work is never done in isolation, and our joint efforts will continue to enhance compliance, revenue assurance, and national security.
“Beyond revenue generation, the Command has remained focused on one of its core mandates, the protection of our nation from the entry of harmful and prohibited goods.
“In this regard, I am pleased to inform you of a significant interception made by our officers at the PortHarcourt International Airport. This operation once again underscores our vigilance and commitment to the safety of our nation.
“On the 22nd of September, 2025, a shipment arrived from Amsterdam aboard Allied Airway Bill No. 574-34543283. The consignment was declared as spare parts. However, as part of our Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), the consignment was subjected to detailed examination by our officers and the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), working in close collaboration with other government agencies.
”Upon thorough examination, the team discovered that the shipment, which was purported to contain mechanical spare parts, had several pharmaceutical products concealed within it. These items were not declared, and were clearly intended to evade detection and bypass regulatory scrutiny.
“The items uncovered include: Tramadol Ratiopharm injections, Tramadol 50 Kapseln-1A-Pharm 50mg Hartkapseln, Generic Plus Paracetamol tablets, Doxepin tablets, and Phenyldam Injections with Duty Paid Value (DPV) that runs into millions of naira. All these products are classified as controlled or prohibited under Nigerian law due to their potentials for abuse and harmful effects when improperly used.
” I must commend our officers for their alertness, integrity, and professionalism during the operation. Their attention to details prevented these harmful products from entering the country.
“This success also reinforces the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NAFDAC, NDLEA, the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), and the Customs Police (CP), for their active support and partnership throughout the process.
“The PortHarcourt Area 1 Command remains steadfast in its commitment to national service, through effective revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border protection. With the continuous support of the CGC, our officers, and the public, we will keep raising the bar of excellence and safeguarding our nation with pride,” Comptr. Atuluku affirmed.
