The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has appointed Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku as the first female Area Controller of its Port Harcourt Area I Command. She officially assumed duty on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at the Customs Processing Centre, Port Harcourt.
The Command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Barilule Aanee, confirmed the development in a statement noting that the appointment reflects the Service’s commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and transformational leadership.
At a brief handover ceremony, outgoing Area Controller, Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, reviewed the Command’s revenue performance during his tenure. He said revenue rose from ₦11.8 billion when he took over in October 2023 to ₦116.5 billion by year-end, representing a 26.18 percent increase over 2022. In 2024, the Command surpassed ₦200 billion, a 72.41 percent growth compared to the previous year. By August 2025, collections had already hit ₦187 billion, leaving just ₦29 billion to meet its annual target with four months to spare.
Hashim attributed the results to teamwork, dedication, and stakeholder cooperation, urging officers and partners to extend the same support to his successor.
In her maiden address, Comptroller Atuluku thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in her. She commended her predecessor’s record in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement, pledging to consolidate the gains through fairness, openness, and collaboration.
“Stakeholders are our partners in progress,” she said, while describing the media as a vital bridge of accountability and transparency between Customs and the public.
The event was attended by senior Customs officers, representatives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government-Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), stakeholders, and journalists.
