Nigeria News Today: Customs Comptroller Atuluku Visits Port Harcourt Airport, Calls for Synergy
By Bon Peters for The Bureau News
The Bureau News reports that Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, the newly appointed Customs Area 1 Controller, has pledged to deepen inter-agency cooperation and stakeholder collaboration to attract more cargo flights to Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Maiden Visit to the Airport
During her maiden official visit to the Customs unit at the airport on Tuesday, Compt. Atuluku interacted with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, airport management, sister government agencies, and clearing agents. She emphasized that teamwork and renewed commitment were essential to restore the airport’s relevance as a major cargo hub.
“This visit provides us with a platform to strengthen bonds, share perspectives, and renew our collective commitment to ensuring the smooth operations of this airport, which remains a vital gateway to our nation,” she stated.
Commendations and Assurances
Atuluku praised the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for repositioning the Service for efficiency and transparency. She also commended officers working at the airport for their resilience under challenging circumstances, urging them to remain steadfast in service to the nation.
She further recognized the cooperation of airlines, ground handlers, agents, and sister agencies, stressing that “no single agency can achieve success in isolation.”
Stakeholders’ Voices
Deputy Comptroller SE Ntuen, who is set to retire, expressed admiration for Atuluku’s leadership style, describing her as a reform-minded officer. He also reflected on his own service, saying he leaves the Service fulfilled and grateful.
Mrs. Ifesinachi Ezike, Regional Manager (South-South) and Port Harcourt Airport Manager, represented by Chief Chiaka S. Ukaegbu, welcomed the customs boss. She lamented the low patronage of cargo airlines despite the airport’s state-of-the-art facilities, promising that the airport authority would continue efforts to attract operators.
ANLCA Pledges Support
Mr. Charles Onyema, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at the Port Harcourt International Airport, pledged his members’ collaboration with the Customs Service. He stressed the need for stakeholders to work together to boost revenue generation and tackle bottlenecks affecting cargo operations.
Sister Agencies in Attendance
The visit drew support from several sister agencies including the Nigerian Air Force, Immigration Service, Civil Defence Corps, Marine Police, terminal operators, and other critical partners in aviation and trade.
Nigeria News Today: Renewed Hopes for Port Harcourt Cargo Hub
The Bureau News notes that with renewed collaboration, stakeholders are optimistic that Port Harcourt International Airport can regain its lost glory as a thriving cargo hub. Compt. Atuluku urged all parties to maintain synergy, transparency, and innovation in order to achieve greater success for the region’s economy.
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