Kano/Jigawa Customs Command Records Smooth Leadership Transition, Sustains Revenue Growth Drive

Kano/Jigawa Customs Command Records Smooth Leadership Transition, Sustains Revenue Growth Drive

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kano/Jigawa Area Command has recorded a seamless leadership transition following the assumption of duty by the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu.

The formal handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, 31 December 2025, marking the end of the tenure of Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who proceeded on retirement after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.

According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Tahir Balarabe, the appointment of DC Adamu represents a smooth continuation of leadership aimed at consolidating the Command’s operational and revenue achievements.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Customs Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him. He described the transition as a generational shift, noting that he benefitted immensely from the mentorship and leadership of his predecessor.

DC Adamu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, with particular emphasis on revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations. He pledged to sustain the Command’s upward revenue trajectory through intelligence-driven enforcement and enhanced operational efficiency.

The Acting CAC described the Kano/Jigawa Area Command as strategic to national and economic development, assuring stakeholders of improved service delivery across key operational hubs, including the Free Trade Zone, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the Inland Dry Port and bonded terminals within the Command’s jurisdiction.

“Our goal is to make these facilities more user-friendly and efficient to encourage legitimate trade, boost investment and support economic growth,” he stated.

DC Adamu also highlighted officers’ welfare and inter-agency collaboration as priority areas, pledging to advocate for capacity-building and developmental programmes from NCS’s Headquarters while strengthening cooperation with the Kano and Jigawa State Governments.

In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, reflected on the transformation of the Command during his tenure, noting that it has evolved into a modern and vibrant formation where officers discharge their duties with professionalism and confidence.

He disclosed that as of Tuesday, 30 December 2025, the Command generated ₦112.7 billion in revenue, an increase from ₦102.5 billion recorded in 2024. He also highlighted a significant improvement in collections from the Kano Free Trade Zone, which rose from ₦2.6 billion to ₦19.6 billion within the same period.

Comptroller Abubakar concluded by offering prayers for the success of his successor and expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Management of the Service and all stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.