The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has organized a strategic stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business across its area of responsibility.
The engagement,brought together members of the Kano business community under the Association of Kano Business Community (AKANOBCO) in Kano State.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe, the one-day sensitisation programme focused on key Customs trade facilitation initiatives, including the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Ruling mechanisms, and operational procedures for Customs Licensed Agents.
Participants were encouraged to take full advantage of these initiatives to enhance their import and export activities, particularly given Kano’s strategic role as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to regular stakeholder engagement, stressing that continuous dialogue remains critical to building trust, simplifying processes, and improving service delivery.
He further disclosed that the Command would seek approval from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to translate key Customs guidelines such as import and export prohibition lists and sensitisation materials into the Hausa language to improve accessibility and understanding among traders.
According to him, effective communication and inclusive engagement are essential for achieving seamless trade processes and stimulating economic activities within the Kano/Jigawa axis.
Also speaking, the President of the Kano Business Community Association, Alhaji Sabiu Bako, commended the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, for deploying innovative technologies to ease business operations.
He assured the Service of the business community’s continued compliance and commitment to sustaining the existing cordial relationship with the Kano/Jigawa Area Command.
The engagement attracted several prominent stakeholders, including the National President of the Kano State Traders Union (KASTU), Dr Dan Abdulaziz; Alhaji Ibrahim Gaya; members of the Kano Business Community Board; the Chairman of the Kano Market Chairmen Forum Association; and other key industry players.