By Tony NZEKWE
In accordance with the strategic tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC, Dr.Adewale Adeniyi MFR, aimed to boost revenue generation, suppress smuggling activities and create robust trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area I command, understand the stewardship of the amazon of inestimable value, Comptroller Salamatu ATULUKU, has raked into the federal coffers over ₦33.7billion in October only which has surpassed the annual target with two months left in the year.
This information was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Comptroller Salamatu ATULUKU, in a chat with news men in her office.
Comptroller Salamatu ATULUKU, said, ” It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this media briefing, where we share with you the remarkable achievements recorded by the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area I Command, in the course of our statutory responsibilities, particularly in the areas of revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement of government fiscal policies.”
She added, “Our performance in the month of October 2025, and cumulatively from January to October 2025, reflects not just figures, but of dedication, reform, and collaboration. It tells how, through teamwork and innovation, we have continued to promote legitimate trade, blocked revenue leakages, and contribute significantly to national development.”
The CAC asserted, “For the month of October 2025, the Port Harcourt Area I Command collected a significant total revenue of 33.753 Billion Naira, as against 9.079 Billion Naira collected in the corresponding month of October 2024. This is the highest revenue collection in the history of the Command, and represents an extraordinary increase of about 272 percent, a record that stands as a testament to our collective commitment and the improved efficiency of our operational processes.”
She continued, “Equally impressive is the Command’s cumulative revenue for the period of January to October 2025, which stands at 247.461 Billion Naira, compared to 164.080 Billion Naira collected within the same period in 2024. This translates to a commendable growth of about 51 percent, demonstrating the Command’s steady and consistent revenue performance.”
Adding, “With a 2025 annual revenue target of 216 billion Naira and a monthly average target of 18.07 billion Naira, I am pleased to inform you that as at October 2025, the Command has already surpassed its annual target by over 31 billion Naira, with two powerful ëmber”months to go.”
The CAC reiterated that, “This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of strategic leadership, renewed operational discipline, and the unwavering dedication of officers and men under my watch.”
The CAC posited, “One of the innovative tools that has greatly enhanced our revenue performance is the Unified Customs Management System popularly known as Bodogwu, a digital analytics and monitoring platform designed to track, analyze, and optimize revenue collection processes. Through Bodogwu, we have been able to identify bottlenecks, improve data accuracy, and ensure real-time revenue accountability. This innovation has greatly supported our drive towards operational transparency and efficiency.”
In addition, “We have also strengthened collaboration with stakeholders, including sister government agencies, to ensure that all processes are conducted with mutual respect, accountability, and understanding. Our partnership with stakeholders continues to yield positive results, in enhancing transparency, encouraging voluntary compliance, and reducing disputes at the port.”
Speaking further, the CAC, commended the officers and men of the Port Harcourt Area I Command for their integrity, and tireless efforts in delivering on our mandate. Despite operational challenges, they have demonstrated exceptional commitment to duty and embraced innovation in their daily assignments.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, when we speak of revenue, we are not merely speaking of statistics. We are speaking of the resources that drive national development, the funds that power road construction, healthcare delivery, education, and security infrastructure.”
She opined, “While we celebrate this achievement, the Port Harcourt Area I Command is not resting on its oars. We will continue to pursue excellence through enhanced intelligence-driven operations, continuous stakeholder engagement, and the full deployment of automation tools to strengthen compliance and trade facilitation.”
“We are also reinforcing our anti-smuggling and enforcement measures to protect the nation’s economy from harmful and prohibited imports, while ensuring that legitimate trade continues to thrive under a fair and transparent system.”
The CAC also express her profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his Management Team for their guidance and support, as well as to our dedicated officers, compliant traders, shipping companies, terminal operators, and sister agencies who continue to align with our goals.
She also thank the media for your continuous partnership in projecting the true image of the Service and in educating the public about the importance of compliance and revenue generation.
Conclusively, the CAC reiterated that the Port Harcourt Area I Command remains open to feedback, dialogue, and collaboration. Together, we can sustain this momentum and build a more efficient and people-centered Customs administration that serves both the economy and the public interest.
