Record Revenue Collection by Nigeria Customs Service
The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area I Command, has achieved a historic milestone by recording its highest-ever monthly revenue collection in October 2025. The command collected an impressive N33.75bn during the month, marking a 272 per cent increase compared to the N9.07bn collected in the same period last year.
This remarkable achievement was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamat Atuluku. She described the performance as a testament to “teamwork, innovation, and operational discipline.” According to her, the command’s cumulative revenue between January and October 2025 now stands at N247.46bn, up from N164.08bn generated within the same period in 2024, reflecting a 51 per cent year-on-year growth.
Atuluku highlighted that the command has already surpassed its annual revenue target of N216bn by N31bn, with two months still left in the year. This success, she said, is the result of strategic leadership and collective commitment.
The statement emphasized the importance of the command’s efforts in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities, particularly in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement of government fiscal policies. It noted that for the month of October 2025, the Port Harcourt Area I Command collected a significant total revenue of N33.753bn, compared to N9.079bn in October 2024. The cumulative revenue for the period of January to October 2025 stands at N247.461bn, compared to N164.080bn collected in the same period in 2024. This translates to a commendable growth of about 51 per cent, demonstrating the command’s steady and consistent revenue performance.
With a 2025 annual revenue target of 216 billion Naira and a monthly average target of N18.07bn, Atuluku expressed pleasure in informing that as at October 2025, the command has already surpassed its annual target by over N31bn, with two powerful months to go. This achievement is not accidental. It is the result of strategic leadership, renewed operational discipline, and the unwavering dedication of officers and men under her watch.
Key Factors Behind the Success
Atuluku attributed the improved performance partly to the deployment of B’odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, a digital analytics and monitoring platform that enables real-time revenue tracking, bottleneck identification, and transparency in operations. Through this system, the command has been able to identify bottlenecks, improve data accuracy, and ensure real-time revenue accountability. This innovation has greatly supported their drive towards operational transparency and efficiency.
The comptroller also credited enhanced collaboration with sister agencies and port stakeholders, including terminal operators and shipping companies, for promoting voluntary compliance and reducing disputes during clearance processes. She commended her officers for demonstrating “exceptional integrity and commitment” despite the operational challenges associated with the volatile global trade environment.
When discussing the significance of revenue, Atuluku emphasized that it is not merely about statistics. “We are speaking of the resources that drive national development, the funds that power road construction, healthcare delivery, education, and security infrastructure,” she said.
Strategic Leadership and Operational Discipline
The Port Harcourt Area I Command, which oversees one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports and oil-export terminals, has historically been a key contributor to non-oil revenue. Its recent achievements underscore the effectiveness of strategic leadership and operational discipline in enhancing performance.
The command’s focus on innovation, collaboration, and transparency has played a crucial role in achieving these milestones. By leveraging technology and fostering partnerships, the customs service has significantly improved its efficiency and reliability.
As the command continues to build on this momentum, it remains committed to maintaining high standards of service and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. With the successful implementation of new systems and the strengthening of relationships with stakeholders, the future looks promising for the Port Harcourt Area I Command.