The Port Harcourt Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has moved to streamline operations at Onne Port following revelations from its recent Time Release Study (TRS), reports ITREALMS.
In a statement available to ITREALMS, issued by the Command’s Acting Public Relations Officer, ASC1 Paul Gimba, Comptroller Alkali commended stakeholders for their cooperation throughout 2025.
This synergy proved financially fruitful, as the Command recorded a significant 15.4% increase in revenue collection compared to the 2024 fiscal year.
However, the Controller noted that the successes of the past year must be matched by improved efficiency in 2026. Data from the Time Release Study launched on International Customs Day (January 26, 2026) identified improper documentation as the single largest factor hindering the "fast release" of consignments.
Comptroller Alkali emphasized that seamless operations are impossible without accurate and honest declarations from the point of origin.
The engagement served as a platform for the Command to address specific procedural infractions. Comptroller Alkali issued a stern caution regarding the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), warning stakeholders that reports issued specifically for Port Harcourt Area II Command must not be diverted or utilized in other Area Commands.
Technical compliance was also a major focus. The Controller warned shipping lines and terminal operators against tampering with container tracking devices.
He further stressed the importance of clear manifest transmissions and the proactive renewal of Customs bond licenses to prevent administrative bottlenecks that often lead to operational downtime.
The session transitioned into a robust interactive dialogue where freight forwarders and licensed agents raised concerns over disparities in land charges between Western and Eastern ports.
Other issues discussed included delays in job transfers, strict timelines for manifest uploads, and the legal duration before containers are officially declared abandoned.
Comptroller Alkali, supported by the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Revenue, AC HE Obaluyi, assured participants that the Command is committed to a "problem-solving" approach.
To ensure accountability, stakeholders were encouraged to submit formal, written complaints regarding unresolved operational issues for documented follow-up.
The engagement featured key officers of the Command, including the Deputy Comptroller of Administration, DC BJ Odedeji; Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, DC A. Hahaha; and the Team Manager of the Customs Intelligence Unit, AC SD Omar.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of the maritime community, including terminal operators, shipping line representatives, and freight forwarding associations.
By Bon Peters
However, the Controller noted that the successes of the past year must be matched by improved efficiency in 2026. Data from the Time Release Study launched on International Customs Day (January 26, 2026) identified improper documentation as the single largest factor hindering the "fast release" of consignments.
Comptroller Alkali emphasized that seamless operations are impossible without accurate and honest declarations from the point of origin.
The engagement served as a platform for the Command to address specific procedural infractions. Comptroller Alkali issued a stern caution regarding the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), warning stakeholders that reports issued specifically for Port Harcourt Area II Command must not be diverted or utilized in other Area Commands.
Technical compliance was also a major focus. The Controller warned shipping lines and terminal operators against tampering with container tracking devices.
He further stressed the importance of clear manifest transmissions and the proactive renewal of Customs bond licenses to prevent administrative bottlenecks that often lead to operational downtime.
The session transitioned into a robust interactive dialogue where freight forwarders and licensed agents raised concerns over disparities in land charges between Western and Eastern ports.
Other issues discussed included delays in job transfers, strict timelines for manifest uploads, and the legal duration before containers are officially declared abandoned.
Comptroller Alkali, supported by the Acting Deputy Comptroller of Revenue, AC HE Obaluyi, assured participants that the Command is committed to a "problem-solving" approach.
To ensure accountability, stakeholders were encouraged to submit formal, written complaints regarding unresolved operational issues for documented follow-up.
The engagement featured key officers of the Command, including the Deputy Comptroller of Administration, DC BJ Odedeji; Deputy Comptroller of Enforcement, DC A. Hahaha; and the Team Manager of the Customs Intelligence Unit, AC SD Omar.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of the maritime community, including terminal operators, shipping line representatives, and freight forwarding associations.
By Bon Peters
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