The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a remarkable revenue of N52.7 billion for the year 2023.
In a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, Comptroller Ibrahim Chana, the Customs Area Controller of the command, disclosed that the revenue for 2023 marked a substantial 26.4 percent increase compared to the N41.7 billion collected in 2022.
Chana highlighted the command’s exceptional performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations throughout the past year, showcasing significant progress from the outcomes of 2022.
“Vigorous enforcement actions by men of the command have resulted in several seizures, which contributed in suppression of smuggling in the two states. Some of the seizures made were handed over to sister government agencies, which the command has been cooperating with in the spirit of interagency collaboration,” he said.
The success is attributed to the command’s initiatives in promoting voluntary compliance among stakeholders through regular sensitization and proactive engagement with the business communities in Kano and Jigawa states.
Comptroller Chana acknowledged the vigorous enforcement actions by the command, leading to several seizures that contributed to suppressing smuggling activities in the two states. Noteworthy seizures included donkey skin, marijuana, and expired or unregistered pharmaceutical products, all handed over to relevant government agencies.
Collaboration and synergy with partner agencies were emphasised, with seized contraband items handed over to entities like the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services and the National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency.
Comptroller Chana expressed appreciation for the support received from various organisations and reiterated the commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment through collaborative efforts.
He explained that in addition to anti-smuggling operations, the command has focused on enhancing trade facilitation. Numerous visits have been conducted to engage stakeholders involved in Nigeria customs trade activities, aiming to streamline processes, promote regulatory adherence, and ensure the accuracy of documentation.
Addressing the recent Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference in Lagos, which emphasised data analytics, Chana praised the initiative for steering a data-driven Nigeria customs service. He highlighted the importance of leveraging data for forecasting, analysis, and processing information related to seizures, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling efforts.
Comptroller Chana underscored ongoing plans for continuous stakeholder engagement and training sessions for enterprises operating in the Kano Free Trade Zone, emphasising the commitment to compliance and seamless operations.
The command’s visit to the Governor of Jigawa State in 2023 focused on the development of the Maigatari Free Trade Zone within the state. Comptroller Chana pledged an open-door policy and the promotion of an enabling environment for businesses, emphasising collaboration on strategies to improve economic prospects, attract investments, and foster sustainable growth, particularly in the state’s export potential.
