Comptroller Aliyu Alkali Fosters Strategic Partnerships for Seamless Trade Operations

Comptroller Aliyu Alkali Fosters Strategic Partnerships for Seamless Trade Operations

In a concerted effort to bolster operational efficiency and strengthen stakeholder relationships, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command, has undertaken strategic visits to key partners in the region on 26 and 27 February 2025.

According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) Paul Gimba, on 3 March 2025, these engagements were held at the Port Harcourt Area II Command headquarters in Onne and Eleme, Port Harcourt, focusing on enhancing inter-command collaboration and assessing progress on ongoing projects.

During his visit to the Port Harcourt Area II Command headquarters, Comptroller Alkali paid a courtesy call to Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller. Their discussions centred on fostering cooperation between the two commands to ensure seamless customs operations.

Speaking on inter-command synergy, Comptroller Babandede emphasised the importance of collaboration and encouraged personnel from the Oil and Gas FTZ Command to actively participate in the sporting activities of the Area II Command. He also assured Comptroller Alkali of unrestricted access to the command’s facilities, including the conference room, to facilitate effective inter-command coordination.

“Inter-command synergy is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening security measures, and ensuring seamless customs operations through effective collaboration between commands,” Babandede said.

Responding to this emphasis on cooperation, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inter-command teamwork.

Comptroller Alkali continued his stakeholder engagement efforts and visited Indorama Petrochemical Company in Eleme, Port Harcourt, as part of a familiarisation tour. During the visit, he inspected the ongoing construction of the Free Trade Zone phase of the company’s fertiliser refinery. Recognising Indorama’s significant investment in Nigeria’s economy, Comptroller Alkali commended the project’s potential for job creation, technology transfer, and increased export revenue. He also reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to supporting the company in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

According to the statement, these developments underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships that enhance trade facilitation and compliance within the nation’s free trade zones.