Revenue Generation: Customs Area 1, PH Hits N24.7B, Seizes Controlled Drugs at Airport | The Bureau News
By Bon Peters
The Bureau News reports that the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Port Harcourt Area 1 Command recorded a **steady rise in revenue**, collecting **₦24.7 billion** in September 2025. The command also intercepted controlled drugs worth millions of naira at Port Harcourt International Airport (Omagwa), Rivers State.
Strong Revenue Performance in September and Q3
At a press briefing, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, highlighted two key achievements: the revenue haul for September and the successful drugs interception.
“In September 2025, the Port Harcourt Area 1 Command generated total revenue of ₦24.7 billion, compared to ₦12.5 billion recorded in the same period in 2024,” she said — a **₦12.2 billion increase** representing about **97.6% growth** year-on-year.
Looking at the broader picture, she noted the total for the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 reached **₦72 billion**, up from ₦48.3 billion in Q3 2024 — a **₦23.7 billion** gain (~49 % growth).
Controlled-Drug Seizure at Airport
On 22 September 2025, officers intercepted a shipment arriving from Amsterdam (Allied Air airway bill No. 574-34543283) that was declared as mechanical spare parts. However, on inspection, concealed among the declared goods were **various pharmaceutical products**.
The seized items included:
• Tramadol Ratiopharm injections
• Tramadol 50 Kapseln-1A-Pharm 50mg hard capsules
• Generic Plus Paracetamol tablets
• Doxepin tablets
• Phenyldam injections
All classified as controlled or prohibited under Nigerian law due to their abuse potential and harmful effects when improperly used.
The duty paid value (DPV) for the shipment runs into millions of naira. The operation involved collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and other government agencies.
Leadership, Collaboration & National Impact
Comptroller Atuluku, in her first full month as Command head, expressed pride in the results and credited the officers’ dedication, the groundwork laid by previous controller (Comptroller Y.M. Hashim), and the policy support from the **Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR**.
She emphasized that revenue collection, trade facilitation, and the protection of the nation from harmful and smuggled goods remain central to the mission. The partnership with sister agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security units was crucial to the interception effort.
Wider Economic Context
The Bureau News notes that such interceptions and revenue increases help secure the nation not only from illicit substances but also provide resources for trade regulation, border management, and public safety. These efforts indirectly influence the cost and supply of goods in markets across Nigeria.
Rising operational costs, fuel prices, and logistics expenses can impact the overall cost of goods. Recent releases on foodstuff price list Mile 12 Lagos today and foodstuff price list Wuse Market Abuja today reflect some of the pressures faced by consumers as trade and import patterns evolve.
Today’s Top Food Prices in Lagos & Abuja — The Bureau News
| Item | Mile 12 (₦) | Wuse Market (₦) |
|---|---|---|
| Rice (50 kg) | 64,000 | 67,500 |
| Beans (50 kg) | 58,500 | 61,200 |
| Garri (50 kg) | 23,800 | 24,600 |
| Palm Oil (25 L) | 35,000 | 37,200 |
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