COMPTROLLER Salamatu Atuluku has assumed the leadership position of the Nigeria Customs Service Area 1, Port Harcourt, replacing Comptroller YM Hashim, who has been redeployed to import and Export unit of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.
In an emotion laden handover and taking over ceremony in Port Harcourt, which was attended by officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, critical stakeholders, members of the press amongst others, the new Customs Area Controller, Comptroller S Atuluku, expressed joy for the new appointment, saying it was a defining point in her career even as the out gone Customs Area Controller, Comptroller YM Hashim said the Command has generated N187 billion revenue in 8 months of 2025.
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Atuluku said that it was a great joy and sense of humility to stand before everybody to receive the baton of leadership of the Command insisting “this is not just a ceremonial moment; it is a defining point in my career, and I am grateful to God Almighty, to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for finding me worthy of this responsibility.”
She, however, recognized and sincerely appreciated her predecessor, Comptroller YM Hashim, for his selfless service and remarkable contributions to the success of the Command, noting that “he has laid a solid foundation in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement “, promising to build on the foundation he laid.
“Comptroller Sir, I wish you the very best in your next assignment and life endeavors.”
“To my senior officers, I come with an open heart and mind. I believe strongly in teamwork, and I know that leadership is not about one person, but about collective efforts. I urge you all to give me the same cooperation and commitment you have shown my predecessor, if not more. Together, we will ensure that this Command continues to stand tall,” she stated.
“To our stakeholders, and other critical partners here today, I see you not just as stakeholders but as partners in progress.
“The growth of this Command depends on the strength of our collaboration. I promise to keep the doors of dialogue open, to listen, to understand, and to work with you in ways that will strengthen trade, enhance compliance, and bring mutual benefits,” she added.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the out-gone Comptroller YM Hashim said “I am deeply touched to see so many familiar faces here today, people who have walked with me on this journey, shared in the challenges, and stood by the Command through thick and thin.”
He emphasized that their presence meant more to him than ordinary words can explain.
“Your presence means more to me than words can fully capture.”
“Today is not just about change in leadership; it is about honouring the story of this Command, the hard work of its officers, and the bond we have built with our stakeholders. Looking back, I see a Command that has grown stronger, not just because of one person, but because of the collective spirit of everyone in this room.”
Giving his scorecard on revenue generation during his tenure as Port Harcourt Area 1 Customs Controller, from October 2023 to August 2025, Comptroller YM Hashim said: “Every success has an underlining story.”
“I reported to Area 1 Command in October 2023, meeting a big revenue “shoe” of ₦11.8Billion. By the end of the year 2023, the total collection was One Hundred and sixteen Billion ₦116.5Billion. When compared with 2022, which stood at ₦92Billion, ₦24Billion, representing a growth of 26.18%.”
“The year 2024 also started afresh with a revenue collection of ₦17,065Billion in January. At the close of that year, we had collected over ₦200Billion, surpassing the 2023 figure of ₦116.5Billion by over ₦84Billion, a percentage increase of 72.41%.”
“At the start of 2025, the Command was given a revenue target over ₦216Billion with a monthly average of ₦18.077 billion.”
“It might interest you to know that from January to August 2025, the Command recorded revenue collection of over ₦187 billion, leaving only about ₦29Billion to go for the year, with Four (4) powerful “ember” months remaining.”
“This collection, when compared to the same period in 2024, which stood at ₦142.5 billion, shows a difference of over ₦45Billion representing a revenue growth of about 32%. “
“At this juncture, it is sufficient to reiterate that the very big revenue “shoes” of ₦11 billion handed over to me by my predecessor has now expanded as the command recorded a revenue collection of over ₦31 billion in June 2025. These figures are not just numbers; they tell the story of sacrifice, teamwork, and the tireless commitment of officers and men of this Command, supported by our stakeholders,” he said.
The event featured goodwill messages from officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service and critical stakeholders.
