By Bon Peters
The Customs Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State says as part of its sustaining efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and promote efficient trade facilitation the Command’ s Area Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, has recently embarked on a familiarization tour of key excise factories and bonded warehouses within the Command’s jurisdiction
This was contained in a press statement made available to news platforms by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Barilule Aanee, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs I in Port Harcourt.
Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Atuluku commended the management teams of the visited facilities for their continued commitment to legitimate business practices and emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains a partner in progress, balancing trade facilitation with the enforcement of fiscal policies of the federal government.
She said: “Customs cannot work in isolation. Our success depends on the level of cooperation we receive from our stakeholders.”
Continuing, Comptroller Atuluku insisted that regular engagement would help the command to identify challenges, strengthen compliance culture, and jointly proffer solutions that would enhance service delivery.
At the Nigerian Bottling Company and International Breweries Plc, the Area Controller lauded the companies for their contributions to national development through job creation and compliance with excise laws assuring them of the Command’s continued support and pledged to maintain a business-friendly environment that would encourage transparency, accountability, and consistency in trade documentation.
Inspecting operations at QuickA and Express Concerns Bonded Warehouses, Comptroller Atuluku stressed the importance of proper inventory management, accurate record keeping, and strict adherence to Customs procedures even as she cautioned against practices capable of undermining revenue generation and advised bonded warehouse operators to uphold a high compliance level in their daily operations.
In their responses, the management teams of the visited facilities expressed appreciation for the Controller’s visit, describing it as timely and inspiring.
They however noted that such direct engagement would foster better understanding between Customs and the private sector, while also creating room for dialogue on emerging operational challenges.
In her closing remarks, Comptroller Atuluku reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining a robust and cordial relationship with all stakeholders within the maritime and excise sectors promising that the Command would continue to pursue the Service mandate with vigour and transparency.
The facilities visited include the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), International Breweries Plc, QuickA and Express Concerns Bonded Warehouses.
The statement maintained that the visit formed part of the Area 1 Controller’s strategic engagement with critical stakeholders aimed at fostering collaboration, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency in line with the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service.
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