The Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as part of efforts to enhance national security, trade facilitation and economic stability.
DC Adamu made the commitment on Thursday 19 February, 2026, while receiving the Commander of the 403 Flying Training School (FTS), Kano, Group Captain Uchenna Ihediwa, during a courtesy visit to the Command’s headquarters in Kano.
Speaking during the meeting, the Acting Area Controller said both institutions operate in different operational spheres but are ultimately driven by the same national objective.
“We are serving one country and one national interest. Every action we take as the Nigeria Customs Service is in alignment with the development goals of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whether it is trade facilitation, revenue generation, enforcement or border security, the objective is to strengthen the economy and protect our sovereignty.”
He explained that modern Customs administration goes beyond revenue collection, noting that the Service now plays a central role in trade facilitation, implementation of fiscal policies, prevention of smuggling, and generation of trade statistics for national planning.
DC Adamu described the Kano/Jigawa Area Command as uniquely positioned, overseeing seven functional bonded terminals, the Dala Inland Dry Port, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Free Trade Zones, and the international border at Maigatari linking Nigeria with the Niger Republic, in addition to other border corridors requiring constant surveillance.
On revenue performance, he disclosed that the Command generated over N101 billion in 2025 and surpassed its annual target by 5.71 per cent.
“That performance was not accidental. It is the result of stakeholder engagement, improved compliance, operational discipline and strategic deployment of our resources. The recognition we received at the Comptroller-General’s Annual Conference is a reflection of collective effort.” He said.
Reaffirming the Command’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, DC Adamu he added, “Synergy is not optional in today’s security environment. When institutions coordinate effectively, we strengthen enforcement, optimise resources and achieve better results.”
Earlier in his remarks, Group Captain Ihediwa described the visit as a deliberate effort to reinforce institutional harmony at a time when security challenges have become increasingly complex.
“National security today is no longer confined to conventional military operations. It includes economic security, border control, revenue protection and the prevention of transnational crimes. In all these areas, the Nigeria Customs Service plays a critical role.” Captain Ihediwa said.
The Air Force commander noted that although the 403 Flying Training School is primarily responsible for training jet pilots for the Nigerian Air Force, both institutions share the same commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Commending the leadership of the Acting Area Controller, he particularly acknowledged the Command’s enforcement activities against illicit drug trafficking, noting that such efforts contribute significantly to national security.
In a separate engagement, the Acting Area Controller also reiterated his commitment to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to improve trade processes and cargo clearance efficiency within the North-West.
Receiving the North-West Zonal Director of the Council, Isah Audu, and his delegation, Adamu described the relationship between Customs and the Shippers’ Council as strategic.
DC Adamu said, “As the lead agency at the cargo interface, we recognise the importance of working closely with all regulatory bodies. Our objective is to ensure that legitimate trade moves efficiently while maintaining strict compliance with existing laws.”
He briefed the delegation on bonded terminal operations under the Command, cargo movement in transit from major seaports, developments around the Dala Inland Dry Port, and ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including the B’Odogwu automation platform and the recently introduced One-Stop Shop framework.
Acknowledging initial challenges that may accompany new digital systems, he assured stakeholders that the Service remains proactive in addressing operational gaps, adding that additional network infrastructure had been deployed in Kano to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
Responding, Isah Audu expressed satisfaction with the engagement, noting that concerns raised by stakeholders had received adequate clarification.
He said, “I deliberately scheduled this visit with confidence that Customs would provide clarity on the issues brought before us. The discussions have been frank and productive, and we will relay this positive outcome to our stakeholders.”
He commended the Acting Area Controller’s openness and pledged sustained cooperation between the Council and the Command.
