By Vera Osokpo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to trade facilitation, as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, engaged with stakeholders in Kano as part of his official working visit to the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
Speaking at the stakeholders’ engagement recently the Comptroller-General emphasised that effective trade facilitation can only thrive within a framework of transparency, integrity, and full compliance with Customs laws and procedures.
Addressing officers of the Command, Adeniyi charged them to remain disciplined, dedicated, and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities. He noted that the credibility and effectiveness of the Service are directly linked to the conduct of its personnel. “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,” he said.
The Comptroller-General commended the Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, for his leadership and performance, particularly in the areas of revenue generation and stakeholder engagement. Describing him as one of the best-performing Area Controllers in the Service, Adeniyi stated, “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.”
During the interactive session with stakeholders, the Comptroller-General reiterated that the Service remains open to constructive ideas and innovations that would ease the flow of legitimate trade, provided there is strict adherence to laid-down procedures. “For us, the basic requirement is compliance. Once there is compliance, we are open to ideas that will facilitate trade,” he said.
On ongoing reforms and the deployment of technology, CGC Adeniyi explained that the indigenous Customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, has significantly enhanced transparency and operational efficiency. He added that the introduction of electronic tracking devices for transit containers has already yielded results, leading to 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 assured stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their continued cooperation, describing them as critical partners in achieving 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 concluded.
Several stakeholders from different sectors commended the development in the Nigeria Customs Service, expressing satisfaction with the improved synergy, openness, and reforms aimed at enhancing compliance, revenue optimisation, and trade facilitation.