By Rabiu Musa, Abuja
In line with the tripod policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs anchored on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to generate more revenue, Suppress Smuggling activities and improve trade facilitation, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B Kaduna, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Sambo Dangaladima, has called for greater collaboration with traditional rulers and stakeholders to tackle smuggling and related border crimes.
This information was contained in a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Bello Isa, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the command, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Abba-Aji Idris.
The statement reads in part: “The visit aimed to stressed the importance of intensifying border surveillance to curb the influx of small arms, light weapons, and contraband goods into the country.”
ACG Dangaladima, asserted, “The Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) ongoing efforts to address economic sabotage and other criminal activities at the borders is on course.”
His words: “We are dedicated to securing our borders, preventing the entry of contraband goods, and curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”
The ACG urged officers of the command to remain committed to their duties while assuring them of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to improving their welfare.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abba-Aji Idris, said, “We are glad to host you and reaffirm our commitment to the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs and pledge our Unalloyed Commitment in discharging our duties.”
As part of his visit, ACG Dangaladima paid courtesy calls to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Usman, and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar. He sought their cooperation in raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and other transborder crimes.
The traditional rulers expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged their full support to the NCS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.,
In the same vein, the ACG also met with Customs clearing agents, he said, “Officers and men of the zone should maintain high standards of integrity in their operations and avoid actions that could harm relations with the NCS.” He emphasized the importance of understanding the nation’s security situation and practicing “Know Your Customer” (KYC) principles.
In his response, on behalf of the clearing agents, Hamza Sale, Chairman, Association of Customs Licensed Agents for Northwest Nigeria, expressed gratitude for the engagement and vowed to uphold the integrity of their association, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the nation at large.
The Customs Area Controller of Kaduna, Comptroller Abe Tijjani, and other senior officers from the zone were part of the Zonal Coordinator’s entourage.
