The Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Command, Comptroller Dauda Chana, has reiterated the commitment of the Service to facilitate genuine trade without compromising government policy, especially as they affect special economic areas like the Kano Free Trade Zone.

This was conveyed in a press statement signed on 25 April 2024 by the Superintendent of Customs, Public Relations Officer of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Saidu Nuraddeen.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dauda Chana, noted that the government revenue through the operations of the Kano Free Trade Zone is untrue and has strategically positioned Officers to ensure due diligence is carried out in the management of finished products within the zone or from any of the excise factories under its watch.

He stated that those who accused Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of illegalities succeeded in displaying ignorance about the activities of the Service, especially in the areas of Duty, Import and Export processes and the laws guiding trade activities in the Free Trade Zones.

He further emphasised that the Kano/Jigawa Command recorded N613,369,204.81 between January and April 2024, as against N132,436,766.00 in 2023, which indicates an increase in revenue generation.

The CAC seized the opportunity to remind the general public that the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) regulates the zone’s activities.

He added that unless there is an intention of exporting to Customs territory, NCS Officers do not interfere with the Zone as it ensures the prevention of smuggling and duty evasion within all its areas of jurisdiction. According to him, records are always taken for proper duty collection and calculation.

Comptroller Chana reminded that the NCS is not the only government organisation in the Zone while restating that the Command will stop at nothing to adhere strictly to the law and defined rules of engagement.

“In the Free Trade Zone, there are productions taking place, there are manufacturing taking place, and the end product of all these are finished products, and for these to go out, duties are paid.” The CAC noted.

“It is also good for the public to know that goods or raw materials locally sourced are duty-free as well as exportation,” he stated.

The CAC gave more insight into the processes involved during the clearance of goods while exonerating the Officers and Men of the Service of any allegations of connivance with business owners.

“Let it also be on record that the process of clearance involves many stages, and we even have a unit domiciled in every Command that checks after clearance of goods cleared for anomalies, so no officer can connive because the documents are all intact to show what transpired. This makes the allegation of compromise baseless,” he opined.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) commenced the sensitisation program on Monday, 22 April, 2024, for the enrollment of an automated retiree verification system for high-ranking officers who have retired from the Service.

The programme, the first of its kind, was designed to serve as a platform through which all retired Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs), and Comptrollers could be electronically verified to modernise the analogue process of benefits application for retired officers.

Addressing the retirees at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in-charge of Finance Administration & Technical Service, Festus Okun, described the initiative as timely and assured them of a seamless verification exercise.

He said, “Esteemed retirees, it is with great honour that I address you today on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. This initiative to engage in a seamless verification exercise is timely and proof of the service’s commitment to ensuring your welfare and well-being after years of dedicated service to the Customs Service.”

“We understand the importance of this verification process in ensuring that you receive the benefits and entitlements you rightly deserve. Rest assured, we are dedicated to making this process as smooth and efficient as possible, with the utmost transparency and accountability.

“As Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs overseeing Finance Administration & Technical Service, I assure you that your concerns and needs are our top priority. We value your contributions to the Customs, and we are committed to supporting you in every possible way as you transition into retirement. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to assisting you through this verification process.”

During the verification exercise, some retired officers who voiced their feedback applauded the initiative, stating, “This positive reception emphasises the significance of this endeavour in streamlining access to benefits and entitlements, reaffirming the dedication to serving retirees with the utmost care and diligence.”

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its dedication to promoting gender equality in decision-making processes as part of its efforts to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

At a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity, co-organized by the World Customs Organization – Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the service.

Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event, where she emphasised the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS.

“Our aim is to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service’s success, regardless of gender,” the CGC said. “We are committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within our ranks, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our policies and practices reflect this commitment.”

The workshop brought together customs officials, gender experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting gender inclusivity and addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.

With this reaffirmed commitment, the NCS demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential.