FG Lauds NOSDRA’s Outstanding Work under Engr. Woke

..As Minister Launches Achievement Compendium and Relaunches ESI Map

 

.....Commends NOSDRA’s High Integrity Ranking

 

....Promises Support to Reduce Artisanal Refining Spills

 

Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has praised the exceptional work of the National Oil Spill
Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), its Director-General, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, and the management team after the public unveiling of the Agency’s Compendium of Achievements and the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map.

 

Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal, recognized these efforts during the official ceremony at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Tuesday.

 

He called the event a sign of Nigeria's commitment to environmental protection, accountability, and sustainable development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

In his keynote address, the Minister stressed that the Compendium and the updated ESI Map offer a clear, evidence-based record of NOSDRA’s efforts.

 

This aligns with the Federal Government’s move toward data-driven environmental governance.

 

Mallam Abbas-Lawal shared significant results, noting that NOSDRA completed 1,424 Joint Investigation Visits (JIVs), recovered 15,980 barrels of crude oil from 1,512 spills, and issued 660 Closeout Certificates for major clean-up projects, including those in Bodo and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) sites.

 

 

The Minister celebrated the Agency’s recognition as the top-performing MDA in Nigeria’s Transparency and Integrity Index for both 2023 and 2024. He called it a remarkable achievement of institutional excellence.

 

While acknowledging these successes, the Minister expressed concern about the rising issue of artisanal refining, responsible for about 82 percent of oil spills in the country.

 

He urged NOSDRA to step up surveillance, community engagement, and an enforcement effort to combat this harmful practice.

 

Mallam Balarabe Abbas-Lawal reaffirmed the Ministry's support for NOSDRA in its mission to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable oil and gas industry.

 

Mr. Edward Omo-Erewa, the Chairman of the NOSDRA Governing Board, also spoke. He congratulated Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke and the entire staff, praising their professionalism and achievements as a clear sign of effective leadership and teamwork.

 

He observed that NOSDRA’s proactive approach and consistent recognition both nationally and internationally prove its operational excellence.

 

In his opening remarks, Director-General Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke expressed deep gratitude to the Minister, the Governing Board, and all stakeholders.

 

He pointed out that the Compendium and ESI Map relaunch not only record progress across policy, capacity building, and enforcement but also reaffirm the Agency’s commitment to transparency and stewardship of the environment.

 

Engr. Woke mentioned the Agency’s reliance on technological innovation, citing platforms like the Oil Spill Monitor, Gas Flare Tracker, and Methane Emission Tracker to provide real-time environmental data.

 

He noted that the relaunch of the Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) Map marks significant progress, as the new version combines geospatial and socio-economic data to enhance timely and coordinated responses to oil spills.

 

The DG credited the Agency’s success to the combined efforts of its staff and stakeholders, promising to maintain the focus on accountability and innovation.

 

The ceremony wrapped up with key stakeholders and development partners offering goodwill messages, commending NOSDRA’s ongoing transparency and leadership.

 

Dignitaries then jointly unveiled the Compendium and the relaunched ESI Map, marking a new chapter in Nigeria’s environmental management efforts

Gov. Otti attributes voters’ apathy to disenchantment with those entrusted with political power .

...As Prince Princewill Says Sustainable Development Could Be Achieved Fundamentally Via the Quality of Politics And the Strength of Governance 

 

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed dismay over low turnout of voters where there are elections, as a result of rigging and manipulation allegedly embedded in the system.

Otti who decried growing increase in voter apathy, despite huge funds used in political mobilization due to disenchantment, especially after the 2023 general elections noted that, “You find out that there is a continued decline in voters’ turnout in successive elections, despite the rising cost of political mobilization.”

Governor Otti stated this yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the opening ceremony of the first international conference on ‘Advancing Politics And Governance For Sustainable Development’, organised by the Centre for Politics of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

According to him, “You find out that there is a continued decline in voters’ turnout in successive elections, despite the rising cost of political mobilization.

He called on African leaders to pay more attention to advancing politics and governance across the continent.

Governor Otti who was represented by former Senate Minority Chief Whip, Darlington Nwokocha, said development in simple language “is the fair distribution of resources” among the people.

Chairman of the conference, Tonye Princewill, during his opening address, stated that it was becoming

increasingly clear that sustainable development could not be achieved solely through economic growth or natural resource endowment.

According to him, “it depends — fundamentally — on the quality of politics and the strength of governance. When politics is reduced to competition for power rather than a platform for service, progress falters. When governance becomes transactional instead of transformational, development becomes a mirage. But when politics is guided by vision, values, and verifiable impact — and when governance is rooted in transparency, inclusion, and accountability — nations rise.”

He noted that the conference could not have come at a more defining moment, saying, “Across Africa, citizens are demanding leadership that delivers — not excuses but results; not promises but policies that work. Our universities are producing knowledge, our civil societies are driving accountability, and our youth are challenging old paradigms. This convergence of energy — intellectual, political, and civic — is the foundation of a new Africa.”

Continuing, he said, “The goal must be to move beyond diagnosing Africa’s challenges — towards designing solutions that are actionable, inclusive, and measurable. The test of our deliberations will not be how eloquent our papers sound, but how impactful our outcomes become, adding, let us remember that leadership is not a title; it is a trust. Governance is not a slogan; it is a system. And development is not an event; it is a process built on courage, collaboration, and consistency.”

He prayed that the conference marks a turning point from rhetoric to results, from ambition to achievement, and from potential to performance.

In his remarks, the speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule said the country will not forget him in a hurry after his tenure as Speaker.

Mr. Amaewhule said he has worked to ensure that the legislature is not seen as a rubber-stamp arm of government.

He also spoke on some of the controversial decisions taken by the Rivers State House of Assembly, noting that many of those actions have now been upheld by the Supreme Court, especially the elongation of the LGA chairmen tenure.

He observed that the legislature has become an endangered institution, recalling the recent demolition of the State House of Assembly complex.

The conference, which has its theme: ‘Politics, Resource Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa’ was attended by participants from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United States (U.S.), Canada and Australia.

Ernest Ikoli's Family Announces Burial Date For Elsie Ajayi

 

The family of prominent political leader, thinker and great journalist, Ernest Sissei Ikoli, on Wednesday described Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli as a priceless Jewell that would be hard to replace.

 

"Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli was an embodiment of the virtues of doggedness and resilience".

 

She passed on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the enviable age of 93 years.

 

Fondly called “Mama Ayo” by friends and associates, Elsie Ajayi Ikoli, according to the family, was a good mother, matriarch, cook and counselor.

 

A statement on Wednesday by the Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation said Madam Elsie Ajayi Ikoli's burial activities would begin on Thursday, November 27 in Lagos.

 

The statement by the Executive Vice Chairman of Ernest Sissei Ikoli Foundation, Chief Anthony George- Ikoli said a service of songs and nights of tributes would hold on Thursday, November 27 at the Citadel, 274, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island by 5:00pm.

 

“Elsie Ajayi Ikoli's funeral service will be held at The Salvation Army Church, 11 Odunlami Street, Lagos on Friday, November 28, 2025.”

 

The statement also said a private family interment for Elsie Ajayi Ikoli would take place immediately after the church service.

 

"The casket will be lowered into the ground at 1:30 pm"

 

“Reception will be by 2:00 pm at The Hall Event Centre, 16 Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island” the statement said.

 

"Thanksgiving Service will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at The Salvation Army Church, Lagos Island" the statement added.

 

Nigeria Customs, Police Synergize For Port Security And Trade Facilitation.

By Bon Peters

 

 

 

The Nigeria Customs Service Area 1 Command Port Harcourt Rivers State says it is synerging with the Eastern Port police for national security, trade facilitation and effective Law enforcement.

 

 

This was contained in a press release made available by the Command's Public Relations officer, Barilule Aanee, an Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital weekend.

 

 

The statement noted that in a bid to deepen inter-agency collaboration, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, had paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Micheal Okoh, at the Eastern Port Police Command, Nigerian Ports Authority Complex, Port Harcourt. 

 

 

The visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in promoting national security, trade facilitation, and effective law enforcement.

 

 

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Atuluku has described the Police as the nation’s foremost law enforcement institution, emphasizing that their role in maintaining peace, detecting crimes, and protecting lives and property complemented Customs’ responsibilities in securing the ports and combating smuggling, stressing that both agencies shared  a common goal of safeguarding the nation’s economic integrity and ensuring a secure trading environment.

 

 

The Area Controller added that stronger collaboration between the NCS and NPF would significantly enhance port operations and national security even as she called for sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols, and joint enforcement efforts to curb illicit trade, arms trafficking, and other forms of transnational crime within the port corridors. 

 

 

 “When we stand together as sister agencies, we send a strong message to economic saboteurs that our ports and borders are not safe havens for illegal activities,” the Area 1 Customs boss asserted.

 

 

Responding, the Commissioner of Police Micheal Okoh, described the visit as a demonstration of true

leadership and commitment to partnership applauding the Comptroller Atuluku for such gesture.

 

 

The Police chief praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its vital role in revenue generation and border protection, while reaffirming his Command’s readiness to strengthen operational collaboration through information exchange, capacity building, and joint enforcement operations.

 

 

CP Okoh emphasized that synergy among security agencies remained the bedrock of national stability. 

 

 

“When we work hand in hand, criminals have no space to thrive,” He said.

 

 

He therefore, assured the Customs Area Controller of his command’s continued support for Customs operations, a peaceful and secured Port environment.

 

 

Comptroller Atuluku had reiterated that her visit was borne out of a sincere desire to foster closer ties, promote mutual understanding, and build a stronger framework for collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Force even as she reaffirmed her commitment to sustaining a relationship anchored on trust, transparency, and shared responsibility in advancing national security and economic growth.

 

Tincan Island Port Customs Command Partners NPWF On Sports Promotion, Others

The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs service Lagos says it is partnering with the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF) to promote sports and youth development among others.

This was contained in a press release made available by the Public Relations officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Oscar Ivara, on Tuesday at the Command headquarters in Lagos.

The statement noted that ”in an effort to promote sports and youth empowerment in Nigeria, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tuesday, October 7, 2025, played host to the leadership of the Nigerian Professional Wrestling Federation (NPWF)."

The delegation, the statement continued, was led by the National President of the Federation, Chief John Uche and was received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, at the Command Headquarters in Lagos.

The purpose of the visit was to formally inform the Command of the upcoming African International Wrestling Championship scheduled to take place from October 18 to 19, 2025, at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State.

Giving details of the event, Chief Uche disclosed that the international event would feature wrestling legends and emerging talents from Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several African nations.

He also hinted that the championship was aimed at showcasing Nigeria’s untapped wrestling potentials while also serving as a platform to empower over 100 Nigerian youths through grassroots development programmes.


The statement further highlighted that the Federation’s broader objectives include curbing youth restiveness, reducing poverty, and creating sustainable job opportunities through sporting events.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Frank Onyeka commended the Federation for its efforts in promoting local sporting activities and for recognizing the Nigeria Customs Service as a strategic

partner.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service's unwavering commitment to youth development and grassroots sports promotion under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, psc (+).

The Tincan Island Port, Customs boss, asserted that the Customs Service has consistently supported
various sporting initiatives across the country and would continue to collaborate with stakeholders committed to national development through sports.

High point of the visit was the unveiling and formal presentation of the championship trophy and award of excellence to the Customs Area Controller by the NPWF leadership, symbolizing partnership and mutual commitment to the success of the tournament.

Credit: Bon Peters

The Nigeria Oil Industry is Seeking to Return Ogoni to 1995

By Fegalo Nsuke

 

In the past six years, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has pursued a peaceful and more generally acceptable path to resolve the Ogoni problem. This commitment led to a resolution on September 27, 2020, outlining a set of steps which, if pursued, can serve as a roadmap to resolve the Ogoni conflicts with the oil industry.

 

Several congresses followed including one which held on November 30, 2024, to endorse the proposed development program for Ogoni through a deliberate commitment on the part of the oil industry, to drive development in Ogoni by allocating a fraction of the proceeds from oil to build a future for the people.

 

The first steps sought the cooperation of MOSOP grassroots leaders, youths, religious leaders, students, professionals and all heads of MOSOP affiliates to commence a sensitization program to win support for the initiative. At the same time, MOSOP vigorously pursued avenues to engage the government and has shown frantically, a commitment to discuss and reach the necessary compromise with all parties.

 

Though this strategy achieved its goals at galvanizing support from the grassroots, not much success was made on the side of the government. Rather, what we have seen is a sudden state capture of our efforts.

 

The immediate consequence of this distortion is a desperation to downplay the core issues raised by the Ogoni people and vehemently push the goal of government to resume oil production, not minding the environmental impacts and attendant consequences on human and mental health of the Ogoni people.

 

Consequently, we are significantly eroding the trust built in the people, through MOSOP's initial campaigns, and now witnessing growing discontent from those who labored, paid unquantifiable sacrifices, bore and are still bearing the pains and stigma of the repressive years.  The discontent is trickling down to an undeniable reality about the Ogoni neglect and most certainly, accounts for the recent protests witnessed in the land. These protests risk escalation as the government pushes further, and as long as the people's confidence in the process is less than overwhelming.

 

The oil industry, as usual, is always comfortable with government backing and never hesitant to deploy the instruments of state violence against the people and rights advocates who question its modus operandi and seek better attention to the needs of the people.

 

In 2025, we should do all we can not to return to the awful and globally condemned persecution of the Abacha years - returning Ogoni back to 1995 will be a strategic error and could further dampen the hopes of a permanent resolution of the conflicts which every reasonable leader seeks. While we understand the government's need for oil revenue, it cannot be far more important than the lives of the people.

 

There is still much to be done to avoid a conflict with local Ogoni residents whose determination and resistance do not waiver for a cause they believe in and are committed to. The crimes against the Ogoni people are not, and will never be so hurriedly forgotten nor overlooked and we must be united, never to allow a repeat of such debacle.

 

The Ogoni people demand justice over their dehumanization, torture and murders due to protests against Shell's unethical business practices. This case of Shell's extreme brutality in Ogoni over a simple demand for fairness cannot be resolved with an offer to construct roads that lead to government facilities including their seaports and oil refineries.

 

We cannot so callously underestimate the people's determination to seek justice for the deaths and torture in state-backed cruelty that senselessly executed an entire leadership of Ogoni and killed an estimated 4,000 people. Ogoni deserves better and requires a thorough review, a public inquiry into these atrocities, punish the oppressors on the one hand, and protect and compensate the victims on the other hand.

 

That protection and compensation requires upholding the rights of the Ogoni people to self determination. This demand is central in the list of demands presented in the Ogoni Bill of Rights and allows the Ogoni people to manage their own affairs as a distinct ethnic nationality within the federal republic of Nigeria.

 

The fact remains that the Ogoni people demand justice and no one can claim that current discussions, whose key goal is basically to resume the production of oil in the land, is actually tilted towards the justice the Ogoni people seek.

 

We all admit the injustices of the murders of the 1990s. But can we really say we have sufficiently acted to repudiate these injustices and to heal the pains from the minds of the victims, or at least, fairly help the victims and affected families to move on? These issues are important because they remain legitimate grounds for the people to question the recent push towards resuming oil production in the area.

 

Nigeria cannot continue to present itself as a country whose strengths can only be seen against the Ogoni people. While at the same time, the same strength cannot be seen in the fight against insurgents like Boko Haram, and herders who are constantly ravaging our communities and villages. The show of strength against harmless and non-violent Ogoni civil rights actors cannot be something we should be proud of.

 

The current approach of the oil industry is therefore a miscalculation and could amount to a strategic error, an unnecessary and shameful act of returning Ogoni back to 1995 - an era of senseless brutality which remains a permanent stain on our global image.

 

Any sincere assessment of the situation in Ogoni will acknowledge that we still need to broaden the dialogue, encourage healing through positive action and build in more transparency, and inclusivity to achieve a win-win situation. Averting further physical and psychological pain on the Ogoni people will depend on how we respond to the Ogoni demands for fair treatment. The starting point of confidence building should be the creation of a Bori State.  That is central to the Ogoni people and reasonably fulfils our desire to function within Nigeria as a distinct ethnic nationality - a core demand of the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR),

 

 

Fegalo Nsuke is president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). He writes from Lagos, Nigeria

10 million Naira development fund: Mujahid Dokubo Throws His Weight behind Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill

 ...As Da-Ogo the 6^th announces the first ten beneficiaries of the 10 million Naira development fund

 

There was joy and jubilation in Da-Ogo Polo as the newly elected Da- Ogo and Queen Elebabene Group of Houses Polodabo (Leader), Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill (Da-Ogo the 6th) held his first full general meeting in the Da-Ogo Memorial Hall, Buguma City.

 

Other notable members of the family in attendance were King Mujahid Dokubo Asari, King Diamond E. Tobin West, Chief Akaodu H Princewill,   Chief Opubeniboye C.J.T. Princewill, and other Chiefs, Elders, Women and Youths of the family.

 

In his opening speech, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill stressed the need for peace, love, unity, and the collective concern between family members and across the Kalabari community.

 

He emphasized that “development only thrived where there is peace and stability” and expected all members of the family to play their own part in maintaining peace.

 

As a demonstration of his intent, he announced the first ten beneficiaries of the 10 million Naira development fund with a half million contribution to each of their respective businesses.

 

He implored them to use the money very wisely and see themselves as premier ambassadors of the family.  The balance of 5 million he focused exclusively on education and health.

 

He then went on to conduct two new chieftaincy installations into the Da Ogo Elebabene Group of houses and communities. Both Chief Tamunoemi Lawson-Jack and Chief Isoboye Princewill were inducted into the Ogo Elebabene council of Chiefs.

 

The King of the source, Mujahid Dokubo Asari expressed a deep satisfaction that the family had finally

produced a new Polodabo of the quality of Prince Tonye saying they may not know the gem that they have, but he for one does.

 

According to him,“During the debates for Governor in 2015, an Italian friend of mine called me shouting and asking who is that Obama you have in Rivers state? The level of intelligence and contacts that Tonye has is so rare, not just in Rivers state but in Nigeria and we are lucky to have him run our affairs.  Many see me contributing to other families I am connected to, but ask me why not the Ogo house? That’s because there was no leadership we could believe in. But now there is.”

 

With that he pledged to donate the sum of 50 million to the family for entrepreneurs who are conducting any verifiable business. He also pledged the equivalent of another 50 millon for student empowerment, broken down as follows:

 

1) All students in the family, enrolled in a Polytechnic, School of Health, Technology or University to receive #30,000 each a month.

 

2) All postgraduate students and First Degree student’s statutory fees and student Registration will be paid for.

 

All pledges the King promised, will be redeemed on or before December the 1st, 2025.

 

The Prince and the head of the Ogo Elebabene group of houses thanked his big brother the King for his kind words and generous donations and promised to do all in his power to justify the confidence reposed in him. He also assured that the committee already set up for the Ogo Elebabene development fund will ensure proper dissemination of these great new developments and the necessary screening of beneficiaries will take place. “A 10m development fund has increased to more than 10 times its size; we cannot begin to thank you enough. May our God increase your coast and bring a smile to your face as you have brought a smile to ours.”

 

Highpoints of the day’s events which took place on Friday the 3rd of October, 2025 was concluded with music and festivities including a well contested Kalabari traditional dance competition with three winners each emerging from three categories of men, women and children.

 

Source: Jenewari Ntiego Alioma

Secretary, Ogo

 

Customs Area 1: Compt. Atuluku Visits Airport Omagwa, Harps on Continued Synergy to Attract Cargo increase

By Bon Peters

 

The continued lull in Cargo aircraft landing at the Port Harcourt International airport Omagwa has attracted the attention of the the new Customs Area 1, Controller, Comptroller  Salamatu Atuluku, leading to her maiden official visit to the customs Unit at the international airport, Omagwa,Rivers State Tuesday.

 

The familiarization visit afforded the Customs Area 1, boss the opportunity to interact with the officers and men of the Nigeria customs Service Airport unit, sister government agencies, the Airport management and the clearing and forwarding agents on the need to collaborate to attract more patronage to the airport.

 

In her remarks, Comptroller S Atuluku stated that it was with great pleasure that she stood before them, insisting that the visit would provide the stakeholders with a valuable platform to strengthen bonds, share perspectives, and renew their collective commitment to ensuring the smooth operations of the airport, which she described as "such a vital gateway to our nation."

 

Comptroller Atuluku expressed her deepest appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir

Adewale Adeniyi MFR and members of his management team for their outstanding leadership and unwavering support.

 

She noted that their vision has continued to reposition the Nigeria Customs Service for greater efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness, adding that it was on that same vision “that guides our actions at the Area Commands, and it is the driving force behind our presence here today."

 

Speaking further, she commended the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service working at the airport for their hard work and resilience insisting that day after day, they discharge their duties under challenging circumstances, but  continue to uphold the values of service with discipline, and integrity.

 

She encouraged them to remain steadfast, emphasizing that the nation depends on their diligence.

 

Compt. Atuluku also extended her heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed stakeholders, partners, airlines, ground handlers, agents, and operators within the airport,   for their cooperation and partnership even as she equally recognized the presence of other sister government agencies at the event noting that the Nigeria Customs Service placed high value on inter-agency cooperation, because according to her, "no single agency can achieve success in isolation."

 

She reminded them that their shared mandate of safeguarding the nation, promoting trade, and ensuring safety at the airport required synergy, mutual respect, and joint responsibility, promising to deepen collaboration with all of them.

 

"As we move forward, let us strengthen the spirit of teamwork that binds us. With mutual trust, transparency, and innovation, there is no doubt that we can collectively surmount challenges and set new benchmarks of success" she emphasized.

 

She reiterated that guided by the vision of the Comptroller General of Customs and driven by the agency's common responsibility to the nation, she was confident that they would achieve greater feats.

 

She therefore, thanked them for their warm reception, cooperation and continued dedication praying that their collective efforts would yield results that would be a source of pride to the Service, agencies, and the nation.

 

Also in his emotion laden speech, the Deputy Comptroller, in charge of Airport unit of the Nigeria customs Service, DC SE Ntuen , who said he would be retiring soon, praised the Customs Area 1 controller, stating that he was satisfied with her leadership style.

 

DC Ntuen, noted that despite the short time he has worked with Compt. Atuluku, he has learnt several lessons that would guide him in his future endeavours.

 

He praised the Nigeria customs Service for giving him the pedestal which he said helped him to grow.

 

He added that he reached the apex in his career but has to leave as according to him, "my time is up."

 

"I will forever remain grateful to the entire management and staff of the Nigeria customs Service and especially to the officers and men I have worked with at the airport and other places.I will carry the banner of  Nigeria Customs service anywhere  I go because it has made me fulfilled as a person and I enjoin the officers and men that I am  living behind to endeavour to take the Service to a great height "  DC Ntuen stated.

 

Also speaking, the Port Harcourt International airport manager, Mrs. Ifesinachi Ezike, represented by the Airport Chief of Security,(ACoS ) Chief, Chiaka S Ukaegbu who welcomed the Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt controller, vowed  that the airport authority will do anything possible to  help her  succeed in her mandate.

 

Ezike, who also doubled as the Regional manager South - south decried the low patronage of Port Harcourt International airport by Cargo airlines despite availability of functional  and state of the art facilities at the airport.

 

She hinted that the airport authority has been making frantic efforts to woo some Cargo airlines to come and make the airport viable even as she promised to make operations at the airport seamless both for cargoes and passengers.

 

On the relationship with customs, the airport chief stated that the authority would contribute its own quota, ensure synergy and collaboration so as to return the airport to glory.

 

"We have state of the art handling facilities but they are underutilized. We also have trained manpower and our terminal building is one of the best, we can handle large volumes of freight and Cargo operations." Mrs. Ezike said.

 

Meanwhile, Mr Charles Onyema, Port Harcourt International Airport chapter chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has called for stakeholders' commitment to ensure that the airport regains its lost glory.

 

He made the call while receiving the new Area 1 Customs boss, during her maiden visit to Port Harcourt international airport Omagwa.

 

The ANLCA chieftain disclosed his member’s willingness to collaborate with her for effective Cargo clearance at the airport insisting that all hands should be on deck to make the airport work efficiently, adding that such would ensure more revenue for the airport authority, the Nigeria customs Service and the agents among others.

 

Onyema said that such collaboration would help in addressing the menace and also boost revenue for the region.

 

“Our leaders have refused to draw the attention of relevant authorities to help tackle encumbrances militating against smooth cargo operations. This silence is unhealthy for the economic well-being of the regions.” he emphasized

 

Sister agencies that were on hand to receive the customs Area 1, Controller, Comptroller Atuluku include, Nigeria Air force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Immigration, Marine Police. Others were Terminal Operators and critical stakeholders.