The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its resolve to deepen trade facilitation while maintaining strict compliance with regulatory frameworks, as the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, met with officers and stakeholders in Kano.
The engagement formed part of the CGC’s official working visit to the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, enhancing collaboration, and reinforcing reforms within the Service.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ forum held on Thursday, 19 December 2025, Adeniyi stressed that effective trade facilitation must be anchored on transparency, integrity, and adherence to Customs laws and procedures.
He explained that while the Service remains committed to easing the movement of legitimate goods, such efforts cannot succeed in an environment that tolerates non-compliance or unethical practices.
Addressing officers of the Command, the Comptroller-General charged them to remain disciplined, dedicated, and professional in the discharge of their duties, noting that the conduct of officers defines the credibility of the Service.
According to him, Customs officers serve as the face of government at the borders, and their actions directly impact public trust and national economic objectives.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
The CGC also commended the Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, for his leadership and operational achievements.
He described Abubakar as one of the best-performing Area Controllers in the Service, particularly applauding his proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and revenue generation.
Adeniyi recalled that the Controller was recently recognised as the best Area Controller in stakeholder management during the Service’s last award ceremony, attributing the honour to his inclusive leadership style.
During the interactive session with stakeholders, the Comptroller-General reiterated the Service’s openness to constructive ideas and innovations that would improve the flow of legitimate trade.
He, however, emphasised that all trade-facilitating initiatives must strictly comply with established Customs regulations and procedures.
“For us, the basic requirement is compliance. Once there is compliance, we are open to ideas that will facilitate trade,” the CGC assured participants.
On reforms and digital transformation, Adeniyi highlighted the deployment of technology as a key driver of transparency and efficiency within the Service.
He noted that the indigenous Customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, has significantly reduced bottlenecks, enhanced accountability, and improved operational outcomes.
The CGC further disclosed that the introduction of electronic tracking devices for transit containers has yielded tangible results, including the interception of diverted consignments and the arrest of offenders.
He assured stakeholders that the Service would sustain the momentum, adding that technology would continue to make cargo diversion increasingly difficult.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu, expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their consistent support and cooperation with the Command.
He described stakeholders as indispensable partners, noting that their collaboration reflects trust, shared responsibility, and mutual commitment to national economic growth.
Several stakeholders at the forum commended the Nigeria Customs Service for improved openness, synergy, and reform-driven engagement.
They expressed satisfaction with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing compliance, optimising revenue, and creating a more predictable and efficient trading environment in the region.
