Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move signaling renewed private sector confidence in Nigeria’s port operations, the Chairman of Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening trade facilitation, infrastructure, and investment growth at the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt.
Chief Ibeto made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Usman Yahaya, as part of ongoing collaboration to enhance the Command’s operational efficiency and economic impact.
According to a statement signed by Chief Superintendent of Customs Emmanuel Tangwa, Comptroller Yahaya expressed delight at hosting the industrialist, describing him as “a household name in Nigeria’s economic landscape” and “a patriot whose vision continues to drive national industrial and maritime growth.”
“Chief Ibeto’s name is synonymous with enterprise and resilience,” Yahaya said. “His continued investment and partnership are vital to making the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals a hub of legitimate trade and investment in the South-South region.”
Chief Ibeto, in his remarks, congratulated Comptroller Yahaya on his posting as the second Customs Area Controller of the Command and pledged his full cooperation and partnership toward making the facility one of the most viable in the country.
“We are committed to supporting the Command and mobilizing credible business stakeholders to ensure it becomes one of the most productive and compliant Commands in terms of trade facilitation and revenue generation,” Ibeto stated.
He further assured the Customs boss of his readiness to provide improved logistics support, strengthen security operations, and facilitate the installation of adequate lighting and surveillance systems across the port facility to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service to build a facility that stands as a model of private-public partnership in port management and economic growth,” he added.
Responding, Comptroller Yahaya praised Chief Ibeto for his longstanding support to the Nigeria Customs Service and his “remarkable contributions to the smooth take-off” of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command.
“Chief Ibeto’s gesture reflects genuine belief in the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose reforms have been instrumental in deepening collaboration with the private sector for enhanced trade facilitation and revenue expansion,” Yahaya noted.
He particularly commended the businessman for the construction of a befitting Quarter Guard for the Command, describing it as “a symbol of excellence that has given the Command a true face and identity befitting of a Customs formation.”
The Customs boss reaffirmed his resolve to make the Command “one of the most productive and compliant commands under the Port Harcourt Area,” while assuring investors of a secure, transparent, and enabling environment for business.
“Our priority remains to safeguard legitimate trade and ensure that every stakeholder operating within the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals enjoys full support under our compliance and facilitation framework,” Yahaya said.
The visit, which ended on a warm note, also reaffirmed Ibeto Group’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through continuous investment in logistics, maritime infrastructure, and industrial development.
Chief Ibeto expressed satisfaction with the level of discipline and professionalism displayed by officers and men of the Command, describing it as “a sign of renewed efficiency under the ongoing Customs reforms.”
“The Ibeto Group will continue to support initiatives that create jobs, enhance trade, and boost national revenue,” he said. “A strong Customs system translates to a stronger economy, and we are proud to be partners in that vision.”
Located strategically within the Port Harcourt industrial corridor, the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals plays a pivotal role in cargo processing, bulk imports, and export facilitation, aligning with Nigeria’s push for regional trade integration and logistics competitiveness.
