By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has hosted a sensitisation forum aimed at improving trade practices and ensuring better compliance at the Kano Free Trade Zone (KFTZ).
The one-day programme, which took place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, brought together key stakeholders operating within the zone.
This was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tahir Balarabe.
While addressing participants, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, stated the benefits of cooperation and adherence to trade guidelines.
He encouraged those in attendance to share their concerns, expressing hope that the forum would lead to improved collaboration and a reduction in operational obstacles.
During the event, Superintendent of Customs Muideen Alabi presented a paper titled “Roles of Nigeria Customs Service in Free Trade Zones.”
He discussed provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, outlined standard operating procedures, and explained the processes for exporting goods from free trade zones to customs territories.
He also drew attention to frequent documentation errors that tend to slow down trade activities.
Deputy Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Richard Bassey, addressed lingering misconceptions surrounding the regulatory responsibilities of NEPZA.
“There’s been confusion about who does what in the zone. Today, we’ve cleared the air,” he said.
The event ended with an interactive session where stakeholders exchanged views directly with customs officials.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Abubakar called for continuous dialogue and reassured participants of the Command’s commitment to supporting smooth trade operations.