By Hussaina Yakubu
CUSTOMS officers and stakeholders gathered on Monday at the Zonal Headquarters, Kaduna, to commemorate the International Customs Day 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria ((NAN) reports that the day has as its theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity”.
In his address, Mr Adekunle Oloyede, Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, emphasised the critical role customs administration plays in securing borders, enabling legitimate trade, and driving economic growth.
He highlighted the theme as a call to action, urging customs officers and stakeholders to strengthen efforts in delivering measurable progress.
“The World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) theme underscores the need for customs to enhance efficiency, security, and prosperity.
“Zone B must embrace innovative strategies to meet this mandate,” Oloyede said.
He detailed the zone’s achievements and priorities in alignment with the WCO’s theme:
The Comptroller added that the introduction of the Advanced Ruling System and the indigenous customs clearance platform had reduced clearance delays and improved transparency.
On security, Oloyede said notable enforcement efforts over the past year had led to major seizures, including narcotics, illegal arms, and illicit goods.
According to him, advanced scanning systems and geo-spatial technologies are being deployed to combat smuggling and other transnational crimes.
He said, “Prosperity Zone B has consistently surpassed revenue targets while facilitating trade policies that boost industrial growth and job creation.”
Oloyede commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and urged officers to remain steadfast in overcoming challenges such as smuggling and illicit trade.
The Secretary-General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, in a video message, highlighted the need for customs administrations to transform commitments into tangible actions.
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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 Area Comptroller of Kaduna Command, Tijjani Abe, had welcomed the participants and urged all stakeholders to recommit to upholding customs’ values of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
“Together, we will continue to deliver on our commitments, making a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians,” he said.
NAN also reports that the day, celebrated annually, serves as a reminder of customs’ critical role in global trade, border security, and economic development. (NAN)
