Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has appointed Comptroller Aliyu Alkali as the 26th Area Controller of Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, with a pledge to consolidate revenue generation, enhance trade facilitation, and strengthen compliance in one of Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridors.
Comptroller Alkali took over from Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, who was recently promoted, in a handover ceremony attended by senior customs officials, security agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and port stakeholders.
In his remarks, the outgoing Controller, ACG Babandede, commended officers of the Command, sister agencies, and port operators for their support, noting that synergy was the key to the Command’s successes under his leadership.
“I request that you extend the same level of cooperation and partnership to the new Area Controller. It is only through collaboration that we can achieve greater results,” he said.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Zonal Coordinator Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, praised Babandede’s tenure as “nothing short of dedication, vision, and resilience; leaving an indelible mark in the annals of the Command’s history.”
He urged the new Area Controller to build on the foundation of discipline and excellence. “We implore you to build on the solid legacies left behind by your predecessor, while bringing in fresh ideas and innovations that will further advance the mission of the Service,” Mohammed charged.
Taking charge, Comptroller Alkali pledged to drive reforms that balance revenue generation with trade facilitation and security.
“My assignment is to ensure compliance with trade regulations, facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue for the Federal Government, and ensure public safety. I request all stakeholders to key into Nigeria’s continued development,” he declared.
He further assured port operators of a collaborative approach that will sustain the Command’s role in national economic growth.
“We will consolidate on the foundation laid by ACG Babandede, while ensuring continuous collaboration to boost trade facilitation, revenue generation, prevention of economic sabotage, and public safety,” Alkali stated.
Port Harcourt II Area Command, which oversees operations at Onne Port, is a strategic revenue contributor to the Federal Government and a key hub for imports, exports, and oil and gas logistics.
