Q3: Kano/Jigawa Customs Command Generates N78b, Says Comptroller Chana
Dauda Ibrahim Chana, Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Command speaks on the his strategies for trade facilitation and revenue collection
Q.Give us an overview of your command’s activities in the last 9 months of 2024 comparing with 2023 figures in areas of revenue, seizures, arrests and convictions
I am Compt Dauda Ibrahim Chana, the Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command. I’m excited to share our achievements with you.
In the last nine months, our command has recorded significant growth in revenue collection, seizures, arrests, and convictions compared to 2023. We have revenue target of over a hundred billion Naira for the year 2024, and has so far collected about seventy eight billion naira.
When the data is compared to that of 2023, we have a variance collection of over 45 billion which represents a 137% increment.
The command equally seized numerous bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, foreign spaghetti, foreign Macaroni, some used vehicles etc and arrested some suspects and prosecuted some.
Q. Tell us how you have used physical and virtual engagements to promote trade facilitation in Kano and Jigawa States
In our modest efforts to promote trade facilitation, we’ve engaged in many physical and virtual meetings with stakeholders, including manufacturers like Aspira, AMMASCO, Mamuda Beverages etc, traders especially from Singa market, Kantin Kwari, Dawanau etc, and transporters. We’ve also conducted seminars and workshops to educate them on customs procedures and regulations.
Q. To what extent have you engaged stakeholders in your area of responsibility
We’ve established a robust stakeholder engagement framework, involving periodic meetings with Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and Community Leaders whom have provided us with valuable intelligence and equally supported our anti-smuggling campaigns through sermons and community outreach.
The Manufacturers and Traders associations are also not left out; We’ve worked closely with them to address challenges and simplify trade processes.
Q. Tell us about stakeholders degree of compliance so far following your engagement. Is there an improvement from what it used to be?
Stakeholder compliance has improved significantly due to our engagement efforts. We’ve seen a noticeable reduction in smuggling attempts and a considerable increase in voluntary declarations.
Q. How has your operations benefited from traditional rulers, religious leaders and community leaders
As earlier mentioned, the Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and Community Leaders whom have benefited us immensely by providing us with valuable intelligence, advise, guidance and equally supported our anti-smuggling campaigns through sermons and community outreach.
Q. What is the degree of cooperation you have enjoyed from the two state governments
We have enjoyed tremendous cooperation from the Kano State Government under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as the Jigawa State Government led by Governor Umar Namadi. Both administrations have been instrumental in providing vital logistical support and collaborating closely with us to establish a strong presence in the business sectors and border communities. Their proactive involvement has greatly facilitated our operations, ensuring that we can effectively engage with local stakeholders and meet our objectives in these regions
Q. How have you used the customs Nursery and Primary Schools to benefit the immediate community and what other corporate social responsibility acts has the command done?
Our customs Nursery and Primary Schools provide quality education to over 500 children. We have also donated educational materials through the COWA Chairperson and her esteemed management. Medical care is also provided to the communities and there are continuous support for local economic empowerment programs
Q.Kano is exceptional for manufacturing and trade in northern Nigeria, how have you maximised it’s excuse potentials in Kano/Jigawa
The service under the leadership of the Comptroller General Of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team has always supported us and directed us to ensure a simplified trade processes for manufacturers, as you know that some policies of the Federal Government have provided incentives for exporters which we continue to encourage our stakeholders to key into them and prosper.
