By Ajibola Adedoye
In a significant leadership transition within the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Aliyu M. Alkali has officially assumed office as the 26th Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne. The formal handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Command following the elevation of his predecessor, Mohammed Babandede, to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) of Customs.
The event, which drew attendance from high-ranking Customs officials, sister security agencies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other key industry stakeholders, was both ceremonial and symbolic, highlighting the continuity of leadership and strategic focus at the Onne Port.
In his farewell address, ACG Mohammed Babandede expressed deep appreciation to officers of the Command, port management, and allied stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He credited the Command’s recent successes to a strong spirit of collaboration and professionalism, urging continued synergy to support his successor.
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“I am grateful for the unity and teamwork that defined my time here. Our collective efforts yielded remarkable results, and I trust that this spirit will continue under the new leadership,” he said.
The Zonal Coordinator for Zone C, ACG Kamal Mohammed, who presided over the ceremony, paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Controller, describing him as a leader of “dedication, vision, and resilience.” He also warmly welcomed Comptroller Aliyu Alkali to his new post, emphasizing the responsibilities ahead.
“The task before you is both noble and demanding,” ACG Mohammed noted. “We are confident in your ability to lead with integrity and innovation. We urge you to consolidate on the gains of your predecessor while charting new pathways that will further the Service’s mission.”
In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the trust placed in him. He pledged to uphold the core mandates of the Service, which include trade facilitation, revenue generation, enforcement of trade laws, and protection of national economic interests.
“My administration will focus on compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic stakeholder engagement,” Alkali declared. “We will continue to enhance our contribution to national development, ensure public safety, and safeguard Nigeria’s economic frontiers.”
He called on all stakeholders to continue their support and cooperation, noting that only through sustained collaboration can the Command achieve its full potential in boosting trade and securing revenue for the federal government.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover of official documents, marking the seamless transition of authority and setting the tone for a new era at Port Harcourt II Area Command.
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