Bon Peters, Port Harcourt/
Concerned by the lull in cargo flights at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, the new Customs Area 1 Controller, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, has called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders to revive and expand cargo operations at the facility.
During her maiden official visit to the airport’s Customs Unit on Tuesday, Atuluku engaged with officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, airport management, clearing and forwarding agents, and sister security agencies. She stressed that only joint efforts can attract more cargo airlines, boost trade, and generate higher revenue for the region.
Atuluku described the airport as a “vital gateway to our nation” and praised officers of the Nigeria Customs Service for their resilience under challenging conditions. She urged them to remain steadfast in service, emphasizing that Nigeria depends on their diligence and integrity.
The Customs chief commended Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for repositioning the Service toward transparency and efficiency, pledging to uphold the same vision at Area 1. She also reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation, saying, “No single agency can achieve success in isolation. Our mandate of safeguarding the nation and promoting trade requires synergy, mutual respect, and joint responsibility.”
Airport stakeholders echoed her concerns. Port Harcourt International Airport Manager, Mrs. Ifesinachi Ezike, represented by Chief of Security Chiaka Ukaegbu, lamented the low patronage of cargo airlines despite the airport’s state-of-the-art facilities and trained manpower. She assured that the airport authority would work with Customs to woo more airlines and ensure seamless operations.
Similarly, the Port Harcourt chapter chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Charles Onyema, called for renewed commitment, warning that neglect of cargo operations was unhealthy for the region’s economic growth.
Deputy Comptroller SE Ntuen, who is set to retire, also spoke emotionally at the event, praising Atuluku’s leadership style and expressing gratitude for his career in the Customs Service.
The visit was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Air Force, Immigration, Marine Police, NSCDC, terminal operators, and other critical stakeholders.
With the renewed push for collaboration, expectations are high that Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, will regain its lost glory as a major cargo hub in Nigeria.
0
