By Bon Peters
The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 5 Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, says it has generated the sum of N4.2 billion in less than 3 months of its commencement of operations.
This is as stakeholders have applauded the pioneer Customs Area 5 controller, Comptroller Martha U Abubakar, for her staler performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation and blocking of revenue linkages within such a short period of time.
The disclosure was made during a press conference at Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command Wednesday, by the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Martha Abubakar.
Commenting on the developments at the command, Comptroller Abubakar said she was grateful to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR for finding her worthy to serve as the pioneer Customs Area 5 Controller, saying ” today, with a heart full of gratitude first and foremost, I wish to profoundly thank our highly esteemed Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, dsm, fnipr, psc(+), and the entire management team of the Nigeria Customs Service for considering me worthy of the rare honour to serve as the pioneer Comptroller of Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command.”
She noted that the appointment was not only a personal privilege but also a lifetime opportunity to contribute to national development and to be part of history in laying the foundation of that great Command.
On Revenue generation, she hinted that she was pleased to report that the first SGD was captured and commercial operations commenced in Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command on July 3, 2025.
Comptroller Abubakar emphasized that since then, the Command has witnessed a steady growth in cargo throughput and revenue generation.
Giving details of the command’s performance so far,she said that as at July 2025,the Revenue generated was ₦1,370,906,227.72 and the Debit note (DN) raised stood at ₦1,027,001.18.
More so, in August 2025, the Revenue generated was ₦1,953,127,882.04 and Debit Note (DN) raised was ₦35,241,583.18. According to her, the revenue generated in August represented a 42.5% increase compared to that of July.
She noted that from September 1st to 12th, 2025 the Revenue generated was ₦859,879,048.30 and Debit Note (DN) raised was ₦21,618,105.03.
Speaking further, Compt. Abubakar, stated that the Revenue collected from 3 Jul 2025 to 12 Sep 2025 was ₦4,183,913,158.06, while DN raised was ₦57,886,689.39 giving a total Revenue Collected from 3 Jul 2025 to 9 Sept 2025) as ₦4,241,799,847.45
She reiterated that “This remarkable growth in such a short time underscores the huge potential of Ibeto Command and the commitment of all stakeholders.”
Buttressing how she overcame challenges at the initial stage, compt Abubakar asserted “As with every new establishment, our journey began with challenges;”setting up offices and systems from scratch, navigating legacy overlaps with Area I Command, managing infrastructure and welfare gaps for officers.”
She insisted that “Yet, with determination and the guidance of the CGC’s policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation, we turned obstacles into stepping stones.”
Therefore, Compt. Abubakar expressed appreciation to stakeholders and officers of her command saying, “I wish to sincerely acknowledge the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus M Ibeto, whose unwavering support in providing accommodation, welfare, and encouragement to officers made our work easier at the most critical period of take-off.”
She also extended her appreciation to Clearing and Forwarding associations, stakeholders and sister agencies who she said partnered with the Nigeria customs Service in building trusts, promoting compliance, and facilitating trade at Ibeto.
“Most importantly, I commend officers and men of Ibeto Command. With your commitment, dedication, professionalism, and transparency, you have transformed an empty space into a functional and promising Customs Command.
“This collective spirit is the true engine behind the milestones we celebrate today.” she said.
She averred, that whenever it was time for her to step down from active service, she would do so with deep fulfilment and gratitude, emphasising that her journey in the Nigeria Customs Service has been one of sacrifice, growth, and service to the great nation.
“To have crowned this journey as the pioneer Comptroller of Ibeto Command is a privilege I will cherish forever.”
Even as she hinted that she would take solace in knowing that she left behind a strong foundation, upon which her successors would build even greater achievements.
She again said, “I express my sincere gratitude to the distinguished Comptroller-General of Customs and his management team for entrusting me with such a historic responsibility.”
She also extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Chairman of Ibeto Group, her officers, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and to the Nigerian people.
“I reaffirm that Customs remains committed to facilitating trade, ensuring compliance, and contributing to national revenue and development”, she noted
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Chief Maduakor Chinonso had expressed satisfaction with the Customs Area 5, Controller, describing her as a mother to the agents nothing that her insistence in open-door policy and stakeholder engagement have helped Ibeto Seaport And Terminal to achieve a great feat in such a short period.
He enjoined his members to make Ibeto Seaport and Terminal a one- Terminal for both clearing agents and shipping companies adding that the Port is a friendly one and the relationship with customs and other stakeholders is cordial.
