The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt II Command, has announced a remarkable revenue generation achievement for the year 2025. The command collected a total of ₦731.2 billion, significantly exceeding its annual target of N700.01 billion.
Surpassing Revenue Targets Through Strategic Policy
This impressive figure represents a 104.46 per cent performance rate against the set goal. The achievement follows a successful trend where the command also surpassed its revenue objectives in the preceding year, 2024.
Comptroller of the Command, Aliyu Alkali, attributed this outstanding performance to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and focused implementation of policies initiated by the Comptroller-General of Customs. He highlighted the critical role played by the adoption of an indigenous technology platform.
The B’ODOGWU platform, a locally developed Unified Customs Management System, was instrumental in facilitating faster cargo clearance processes. This efficiency directly and positively impacted the agency's ability to generate higher revenue.
Discipline and Stakeholder Synergy as Key Pillars
In a statement delivered by the command's Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Theophilus Duniya, Comptroller Alkali emphasized that strict adherence to standard operating procedures and maintaining a high level of discipline among officers were fundamental to this success.
He expressed gratitude for the support from the top management of the NCS, led by Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, for creating an enabling environment. Alkali also acknowledged the cooperation and synergy from critical stakeholders, which contributed significantly to the command's success story.
Furthermore, Alkali praised the officers under his command for their dedication and professionalism. He stated that their uncompromising posture and patriotism led to incredible milestones beyond revenue collection, including robust anti-smuggling operations.
Major Interceptions and a Warning to Lawbreakers
One of the significant enforcement achievements highlighted was the interception of 75 containers with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) estimated at N47.6 billion. A detailed breakdown revealed that 30 of these seized containers were laden with expired, illicit, and unregistered pharmaceutical products. The remaining containers violated various other customs laws and regulations.
"These seizures will serve as a deterrent to those intending to violate existing laws," Comptroller Alkali noted. He urged importers and Customs-licensed agents to always make honest declarations, reaffirming the Command's dual mandate. The Port Harcourt II Command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing all customs regulations with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Related Bust: Apapa Command Uncovers Cocaine Shipment
In a related development showcasing the NCS's nationwide vigilance, the Apapa Command of the service made a major drug bust. The command uncovered 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine onboard a vessel named MV San Anthonio, which originated from Brazil.
According to a statement from the Command's Public Relations Officer, Isah Suleiman, the illicit drugs were packaged in 24 parcels and slabs, concealed within five bags discovered during intelligence-led checks. The vessel has been detained.
The Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Emmanuel Oshoba, explained that customs intelligence indicated the ship made stops at ports in Honduras and Guatemala after departing Brazil—locations suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trafficking.
Controller Oshoba reiterated the NCS's resolve, under the zero-compromise directive of CGC Adeniyi, to ensure only legitimate trade thrives at the Lagos port. He sent a strong warning, stating that the service is strengthening synergy with sister agencies and that criminals cannot beat their system. He emphasized that national security will not be sacrificed for trade facilitation, especially during the Yuletide season, assuring that all consignments will be thoroughly examined.
