Port Harcourt Customs revenue hits N731bn in 2025, beating its target and intercepting 75 containers of illicit and unregistered goods

The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt II Area Command, under the leadership of Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, recorded N731.2bn in revenue in 2025 and intercepted 75 containers of illicit goods, exceeding its annual target and strengthening enforcement across the region.

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The achievement was announced on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Theophilus Duniya, who described the performance as a remarkable milestone for the command.

Theophilus Duniya said a revenue target of N700.01bn was set for 2025, but the command surpassed that figure by 4.46 per cent following sustained improvements in cargo clearance and compliance monitoring.

Theophilus Duniya attributed the strong performance to the leadership of Comptroller Aliyu Alkali and the effective implementation of the Comptroller General of Customs’ policy direction, alongside the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System known as the B’Odogwu platform to speed up cargo processing.

Theophilus Duniya said strict adherence to standard operating procedures, high internal discipline and continuous engagement with port stakeholders helped improve transparency and operational efficiency.

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing an enabling environment that supported the command’s work and reinforced accountability.

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali also praised officers for their dedication, diligence and professionalism, describing the workforce as the backbone of the command’s operational success.

The enforcement record included the interception of 75 containers with a cumulative duty paid value of N47.6bn, reflecting a tougher and more vigilant posture against smuggling and regulatory breaches.

Thirty of the seized containers were found to contain expired, illicit and unregistered pharmaceutical products, while the remaining shipments violated various provisions of customs and trade laws.

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali said the seizures would serve as a deterrent to would-be offenders and urged importers and licensed customs agents to make honest declarations in line with existing regulations.

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali said the command remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade while enforcing customs laws with integrity, professionalism and consistency.

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Port Harcourt Customs is one of the key area commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, the federal agency responsible for revenue collection, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations and the enforcement of national border and trade regulations.