By Tony Nzekwe
In accordance with the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, aimed to boost revenue generation and create rrobus synergies for maximum productivity, efficient service delivery and enhanced trade facilitation; Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, has taken over baton of leadership in Port Harcourt Area 1 Customs Command.
This information was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs, II, Jane Barilule, and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media.
The short ceremony witnessed by Comptroller Post Clearance Audit OM Omisore, very senior officers of the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, Chairman Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Chairman National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Esteem Stakeholders and distinguished Members of the Press.
In her remarks, the newly assumed Customs Area Controller, CAC, Compt. Atuluku, said, “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 MFR and his management team for finding me worthy of this responsibility.First and foremost, permit me to recognize and sincerely appreciate my predecessor, Comptroller YM Hashim, for his selfless service and remarkable contributions to the success of this Command. He has laid a solid foundation in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement, and it is upon this foundation that I will strive to build.”
She asserted, “Controller sir, I wish you the very best in your next assignment and life endeavors.To my 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.”
The CAC, reiterated, “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.”
She added, “Gentlemen of the press, you are an important bridge between us and the public. I look forward to working with you as partners in transparency and accountability.Finally, I pledge to lead with fairness, dedication, and a human face. My doors will remain open, and I will count on your prayers, cooperation, and goodwill to succeed in this new assignment.Once again, I thank the Comptroller General of Customs for this opportunity, my predecessor for his legacy, and all of you for the warm reception.May God bless Port Harcourt Area I Command,May God bless the Nigeria Customs Service,And may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Earlier in his remarks, the out gone Customs Area Controller, CAC, who now holds sway as Comptroller in charge of Imports and Exports at Customs headquarters, Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, said, “Today is not just about change in leadership; it is about honouring the story of this Command, the hard work of its officers, and the bond we have built with our 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.”
Compt Hashim, posited, “Every success has an underlining story. I reported to Area 1 Command in October 2023, meeting a big revenue “shoe” of ₦11.8Billion. By the end of the year 2023, the total collection was One Hundred and sixteen Billion ₦116.5Billion. When compared with 2022, which stood at ₦92Billion, ₦24Billion, representing a growth of 26.18%.The year 2024 also started afresh with a revenue collection of ₦17,065Billion in January. At the close of that year, we had collected over ₦200Billion, surpassing the 2023 figure of ₦116.5Billion by over ₦84Billion, a percentage increase of 72.41%.At the start of 2025, the Command was given a revenue target over ₦216Billion with a monthly average of ₦18.077Billion. It might interest you to know that from January to August 2025, the Command recorded revenue collection of over ₦187Billion, leaving only about ₦29Billion to go for the year, with Four (4) powerful “ember” months remaining. This collection, when compared to the same period in 2024, which stood at ₦142.5Billion, shows a difference of over ₦45Billion representing a revenue growth of about 32%.”
Compt Hashim, asserted, “At this juncture, is sufficient to reiterate that the very big revenue “shoes” of ₦11Billion handed over to me by my predecessor has now expanded as the command recorded a revenue collection of over ₦31Billion in June 2025. 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.”
He added, “To each and every one of you, I owe a debt of gratitude.To the officers and men of this Command, you have been my strength. Your dedication, your sacrifice, and your resilience are what made our achievements possible. To our stakeholders and partners, you did not just play your part, you walked with us like true companions, sometimes challenging us, sometimes encouraging us, but always reminding us that we are better together.”
Compt Hashim, also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management team for giving me the privilege to serve here. Port Harcourt Area 1 has been more than a posting for me.
His words: “it has been a home. I carry with me fond memories of teamwork, trust, and friendships that I will treasure long after I leave this seat.As I hand over the baton today, my only request is simple: stand by my successor the same way you stood by me. Support, encourage, and work with her, because leadership may change, but our mission and our shared responsibility to the nation remain the same.Once again, I welcome you warmly to this ceremony and thank you for sharing this moment with me. May this transition bring even greater achievements to the Command, the Service, and to our beloved nation, Nigeria.”
In addition, a peep into the life of the unassuming, pragmatic and results driven newly redeployed Customs Area Controller, CAC, Compt Salamatu Atuluku, shows an affirmation of the phrase, “what a man can do, a woman can do even better – and sometimes with more style.” Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku is a living proof of this truth in the Nigeria Customs Service. Born on the 22nd of October 1970, she has risen through the ranks with a remarkable blend of discipline, brilliance, and graceful leadership that sets her apart. She hails from Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State; She was enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service on 1st January 1992 as a Cadet Officer and rose to the rank of a Comptroller; She obtained a National Diploma (ND) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; She proceeded to Lagos State University (LASU) where she obtained:B.Sc in History and International Studies M.Sc in International Relations and Strategic Studies Currently pursuing a Ph.D in Peace and Security; She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and a Member of the Institute of Strategic Management (Chartered).
During a career she, has worked in places and held several which include; Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command – 1993 to 1996; Kaduna Command – 1996 to 1998; Lagos Industrial Terminal (KLT) – 1998 to 2000; Cross River/Akwa Ibom Free Trade Zone (CRS/AKFTZ) – 2000 to 2004; Enugu Command – 2004 to 2008; Tariff & Trade (T&T) Department– 2008 to 2010; Murtala Muhammed International Airport – 2010 to 2012; Tin Can Island Port (TCIP, Scanner Manager) – 2012 to 2016; ICT (NIIU, Ashaye Scanning Site) – 2016 to 2023; ICT (NIIU, Apapa Scanning Site) – 2023 to 2025; Strategic Research & Policies, Customs Headquarters Abuja (Comptroller, Project Nurturing Unit) – April 2025 to August 2025; Customs Area I Command, Port Harcourt (Area Controller) – August 2025 to Date.
Merit Awards received and recognitions; Merit Award by Zonal Coordinator “A”; Award of Excellence in Revenue Generation – Apapa Command; Best DC Intervention – Apapa Command; Best DC of the Month Award – Apapa Command, July 2024.
Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku is happily married with four children (three young men and a daughter) who are actively pursuing careers in their respective fields.
Her hobbies include Sports, Cooking, and Music.Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku is not just an officer in uniform; she is proof that leadership can wear a smile and still command respect. She has carved a niche for herself as a disciplined officer, a loving mother, and a mentor who leads with both firmness and warmth.If Customs were a family, she would be the big sister who ensures the rules are kept but still makes sure everyone eats well.
Her legacy of integrity, excellence in service, and mentorship continues to inspire younger officers, especially women, proving that service to the nation can be carried out with both strength and grace.
