Revenue Up, Smuggling Hit Hard: Port Harcourt II Customs Surpasses 2025 Target
... Rakes in N731.2bn, Busts N47.6bn Worth of Illicit Cargo
Kathy Kyari
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Port Harcourt II Command, recorded a landmark performance in 2025, surpassing its annual revenue target and intensifying enforcement actions against illicit trade, including the interception of dangerous pharmaceutical products.
The Command collected a total of N731.2 billion in 2025, exceeding its revenue target of N700.01 billion set for the year. The performance represents 104.46 per cent of the target and builds on the Command’s strong showing in 2024, which informed the higher benchmark.
The achievement has been attributed to the leadership of the Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu M. Alkali, whose administration focused on effective implementation of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust and the deployment of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System (B’ODOGWU) platform to accelerate cargo clearance and enhance compliance.
Under his leadership, the Command enforced strict adherence to standard operating procedures, maintained discipline among officers, and sustained regular engagement with stakeholders to balance trade facilitation with regulatory enforcement.
While emphasizing the importance of quality leadership, Comptroller Alkali expressed appreciation to the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for creating an enabling environment that supported the Command’s performance. He also acknowledged the cooperation and synergy of critical stakeholders whose support contributed to the success recorded.
Beyond revenue generation, the Command strengthened its enforcement profile in 2025, intercepting 75 containers with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N47.6 billion. Of this figure, 30 containers were found to contain expired, illicit, and unregistered pharmaceutical products, while other consignments were seized for violations of various provisions of the Customs and Excise laws.
Comptroller Alkali commended officers of the Command for their dedication, diligence, and professionalism, noting that their uncompromising posture and patriotism were central to the seizures recorded. He stated that the interceptions were intended to serve as a deterrent to individuals and entities seeking to undermine extant laws.
The Area Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, urging importers and licensed customs agents to make honest declarations, while assuring that enforcement would continue to be carried out with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
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