Customs Reaffirms Commitment to Trade Facilitation, Compliance at Kano Stakeholders’ Forum
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to trade facilitation anchored on strict regulatory compliance, as the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, engaged officers and key stakeholders during his official working visit to the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held in Kano on Thursday, 19 December 2025, the Comptroller-General stressed that sustainable trade facilitation can only be achieved within a framework of transparency, integrity and full adherence to Customs laws and procedures.
He emphasised that while the Service is determined to ease legitimate trade, such efforts must not compromise compliance standards.
Addressing officers of the Command, Adeniyi charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties, noting that the credibility and effectiveness of the Service are directly tied to the conduct of its personnel.
According to him, institutional strength is built on individual integrity and commitment.
“The strength of the Nigeria Customs Service lies in the integrity, dedication and discipline of its officers. Without these core values, neither trade facilitation nor national development can be sustainably achieved,” the CGC stated.
Adeniyi also commended the Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, for his leadership and impressive performance, particularly in revenue generation and stakeholder engagement. He described Abubakar as one of the best-performing Area Controllers in the Service.
“Comptroller Zurmi has taken stakeholder engagement to a new level. This is why he was recognised as the best Area Controller in stakeholder management during our last award night,” he said.
During an interactive session with stakeholders drawn from various sectors, the Comptroller-General reaffirmed the Service’s openness to constructive ideas and innovations aimed at easing the flow of legitimate trade, provided they align strictly with established procedures.
“For us, the basic requirement is compliance. Once there is compliance, we are open to ideas that will facilitate trade,” Adeniyi assured participants.
Highlighting ongoing reforms and the deployment of technology, the CGC disclosed that the indigenous Customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, has significantly improved transparency and operational efficiency across Commands.
He further revealed that the introduction of electronic tracking devices for transit containers has already produced tangible results, including the interception of diverted consignments and the arrest of offenders.
“Technology will make it increasingly difficult for anyone to divert cargo. We are already seeing results, and we will sustain this momentum,” he said.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their sustained cooperation, describing them as indispensable partners in the successful execution of the Command’s mandate.
“What we are witnessing in Kano is true partnership. Stakeholders have supported the Command in different ramifications. This reflects trust, shared responsibility and mutual commitment,” he noted.
Several stakeholders at the forum commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, expressing satisfaction with the improved synergy, openness and reforms being implemented to enhance compliance, optimise revenue and facilitate legitimate trade across the country.
