The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a revenue of N52.7 billion for the year 2023.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos, Comptroller Ibrahim Chana, the Customs Area Controller of the command, announced that the revenue for 2023 amounted to N52.7 billion. Chana highlighted that this figure reflected a 26.4 percent increase compared to the N41.7 billion collected in 2022.
He emphasized the command’s commendable performance in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations throughout the past year when juxtaposed with the outcomes of 2022.
Chana attributed the success to the command’s efforts in promoting voluntary compliance among stakeholders, achieved through regular sensitization and proactive engagement with the business communities in Kano and Jigawa states.
“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.
However, Chana expressed appreciation to the various organizations for their assistance to the service.
He detailed the seizures conducted in the past year, which included donkey skin, marijuana, expired, and unregistered pharmaceutical products. These items were subsequently handed over to the relevant government agencies.
“If you can recall, a few weeks ago, we had course to invite heads of sister agencies to hand over huge confiscated contraband items to them.
“We handed over 665 pieces of donkey skins to the Northwest Zonal Coordinator, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services, while 450 blocks of Cannabis Sativa was handed over to the State Commander, National Drugs and Law Enforcement Agency.
“Also, 1,290 cartons of expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals was released to the State Director, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Kassim Ibrahim.
“The continuous synergy and collaboration between our organisation and our esteemed partner agencies exemplify our shared dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all citizens of the country,” he said.
In enhancing trade facilitation, Chana, since assuming command leadership, has undertaken numerous visits to boost overall compliance among stakeholders involved in customs trade activities. These visits form part of a broader strategy aimed at streamlining processes and fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.
During these engagements, a variety of topics were covered, including regulatory adherence, accuracy of documentation, and educating stakeholders on efficiency in adhering to trade procedures.
Regarding the recent Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference in Lagos, which focused on data analytics, Chana praised the initiative for a data-driven customs service. He emphasized the significance of data in effective review and planning to streamline customs operations.
Chana highlighted that the command leverages data for forecasting, analysis, and processing information related to seizures, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling efforts. This approach aims to enhance the command’s mandate and anticipate future developments.
“For the CGC conference theme to cascade down at the command level, there is a need for continuous stakeholder engagement with a view to ensuring compliance and seamless operations.
“Earlier in November, we coordinated a training session for enterprises operating at the Kano Free Trade zone, and there are plans in motion to meet with all of them within the first quarter of 2024, especially members of Kano Market associations and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria,” he said.
Chana noted that his visit to the Governor of Jigawa, Malam Umar Namadi, in 2023, was primarily focused on the development and advancement of the Maigatari Free Trade Zone within the state.
“I promised the governor an open door policy and promotion of enabling environment for business owners who want to relate with the service .
“The areas of proposals and ideas on various strategies aimed at improving economic prospects, attracting investments, and fostering sustainable growth, with special emphasis on the state’s export potential, will be enhanced from the customs perspective,” he said.