By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command, has officially welcomed Comptroller Aliyu M. Alkali as its 26th Customs Area Controller, following a handover ceremony on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Comptroller Alkali succeeds Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, who was recently promoted.
According to a statement signed by Theophilus Peter Duniya, Chief Superintendent of Customs and Public Relations Officer of the Command, the event was graced by the Zonal Coordinator Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, the Customs Area Controller of Port Harcourt I Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, heads of security and regulatory agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders.
In his valedictory speech, outgoing Area Controller ACG Babandede expressed gratitude to officers of the Command, sister agencies, associations at the Onne Port, and the port management for their cooperation throughout his tenure.
He noted that their synergy contributed to remarkable achievements and urged stakeholders to extend the same level of support to his successor.
Zonal Coordinator, ACG Kamal Mohammed, praised Babandede’s leadership and legacy, describing his tenure as one of “dedication, vision, and resilience.”
He encouraged Comptroller Alkali to build on the solid foundations laid by his predecessor while introducing fresh strategies to drive the Command forward.
In his acceptance remarks, Comptroller Alkali pledged to justify the trust placed in him by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
He emphasized his commitment to ensuring compliance with trade regulations, facilitating legitimate trade, boosting government revenue, and enhancing public safety.
He called on stakeholders to collaborate in sustaining the Command’s contributions to national development.