By Bon Peters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 1 Command in Port Harcourt has announced a remarkable revenue collection of ₦200,585,362,796 for 2024, marking a 72.41% growth compared to 2023’s total of ₦116,289,470,576. This significant achievement has set the tone for an even more ambitious target in 2025.
This was revealed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, attributed the success to enhanced operational efficiency and strict enforcement measures. He highlighted that the 2024 revenue collection exceeded the previous year’s figure by ₦84,295,872,220, showcasing the Command’s improved strategies in monitoring and compliance.
Key Drivers of Revenue Growth
Comptroller Hashim outlined several factors behind the Command’s 2024 performance:
- Strategic enforcement operations to curb smuggling.
- Improved collaboration with other enforcement agencies.
- Advanced monitoring systems and increased patrols.
Despite these achievements, the Command faced a 13.04% shortfall in meeting its annual revenue target, which Comptroller Hashim attributed to the Federal Government’s food import waiver policy. Introduced in July 2024 to combat food insecurity, the waiver exempted key imports such as wheat, maize, and grain from customs duties.
Exports and Economic Diversification
The Command also recorded notable strides in export activities, particularly in agricultural products. In 2024, 17,352,817 metric tons of cargo were exported, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $1,452,393,438. Export-related revenue included ₦2,900,883,557 in NESS payments for oil and non-oil exports, contributing significantly to national revenue.
Shipping Activities and Bulk Cargoes
The Command saw an influx of 289 ships in 2024, with bulk cargo imports—including wheat, frozen fish, salt, petroleum products, and oil well equipment—amounting to 4,080,654.198 metric tons. These imports played a critical role in driving the Command’s revenue.
Acknowledgments and Future Plans
Comptroller Hashim expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi MFR, and the Zonal Coordinator of Customs Zone C, ACG SK Dangaladima, for their support. He also thanked stakeholders for their cooperation, emphasizing the importance of compliance with customs regulations.
Looking ahead to 2025, Comptroller Hashim pledged to enhance the Command’s revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation. He assured stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to deploying all necessary tools to ensure seamless operations and further boost Nigeria’s economic stability.
The Port Harcourt Area 1 Command is poised to build on its achievements and set new benchmarks in customs administration, making 2025 a year of even greater accomplishments.
