Zone B Customs Coordinator Promises Measurable Progress In Halting Smuggling 

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Zone B Customs Coordinator Promises Measurable Progress In Halting Smuggling 

By Hussaina Yakubu

The Coordinator, Zone B of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede has promised measurable progress in halting smuggling and other economic crimes in the zone.

He made the promise when customs personnel and stakeholders gathered on Monday in Kaduna to commemorate the International Customs Day, which has the theme: ‘Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’.

Oloyede said that the customs service will not falter in playing its critical role in securing Nigerian borders, enabling legitimate trade, and driving economic growth of the country.

According to him, the theme is a call to action, and challenged customs officers and stakeholders to strengthen efforts in delivering measurable progress.

“The World Customs Organization (WCO) theme underscores the need for customs to enhance efficiency, security, and prosperity. Zone B must embrace innovative strategies to meet this mandate,” Oloyede added.

He detailed the zone’s achievements and priorities, which include the introduction of Advance Ruling System and the indigenous customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, which has reduced goods clearance delays and improved transparency.

On security, he said notable enforcement efforts over the past year have led to major seizures of narcotics, arms, and illicit goods in the zone which comprised eleven states.

He said advance scanning systems and geo-spatial technologies are being deployed to combat smuggling and other transnational crimes.

“Zone B has consistently surpassed revenue target while facilitating trade policies that boost industrial growth and job creation,” the zonal coordinator added.

Oloyede commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi for his leadership and urged officers to remain steadfast in overcoming challenges of smuggling and illicit trade.

The Secretary-General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, in a video message, highlighted the need for customs administration to transform commitments into tangible actions.

He said, “This year, we must focus on communicating our successes and ensuring that customs remain a driver of trade facilitation, security, and sustained economic growth.”

Earlier, the Kaduna Area Comptroller, Tijjani Abe, welcomed the participants and urged all stakeholders to recommit to upholding values of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

“Together, we will continue to deliver on our commitments, making tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

The International Customs Day, celebrated annually, is to highlight critical role customs play in global trade, border security, and economic development of nations.

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