The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 5 Command at Ibeto Seaport and Terminal, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has recorded an impressive revenue generation of ₦4.2 billion in less than three months of operations.
The achievement, announced by Comptroller U.M. Abubakar, pioneer Area Controller of the command, has been widely applauded by stakeholders for boosting trade facilitation, blocking revenue leakages, and laying a solid foundation for the new command.
A Milestone in Revenue Generation
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Comptroller Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for appointing her to the historic role.
She revealed that operations officially commenced on July 3, 2025, when the first SGD was captured. Since then, cargo throughput and revenue collection have grown steadily:
July 2025: ₦1,370,906,227.72 (DN ₦1,027,001.18)
August 2025: ₦1,953,127,882.04 (DN ₦35,241,583.18) – a 42.5% increase from July
September 1–12, 2025: ₦859,879,048.30 (DN ₦21,618,105.03)
Overall, from July 3 to September 9, 2025, the command generated ₦4,241,799,847.45.
“This remarkable growth underscores the huge potential of Ibeto Command and the commitment of all stakeholders,” Abubakar said.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
The Area Controller explained that setting up the new command came with hurdles such as infrastructure gaps, legacy overlaps with Area I Command, and welfare issues for officers.
“But with determination and the CGC’s policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation, we turned obstacles into stepping stones,” she stated.
Stakeholders Laud Comptroller Abubakar
Stakeholders, including clearing and forwarding associations, praised the controller’s open-door policy and engagement style.
Chief Maduakor Chinonso, speaking on behalf of stakeholders, described her as “a mother to agents” and encouraged members to make Ibeto Seaport and Terminal a one-stop hub for shipping and clearing services.
The Area Controller also commended Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Ibeto Group, for providing vital support, including accommodation and welfare for officers during the command’s critical take-off phase.
Nigeria Customs’ Commitment to National Growth
Reaffirming the service’s role, Comptroller Abubakar said:
“I reaffirm that Customs remains committed to facilitating trade, ensuring compliance, and contributing to national revenue and development.”
She added that her greatest fulfilment will be leaving behind a strong foundation for her successors to build upon.
