Comptroller Abubakar Has Transformed Customs Operation, Improved Trade in Kano, Jigawa – Nasidi KFTZ Operator
Abdul Rasheed Nasidi,Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Shaaban Poly and Chemical KFTZ, one of the prominent operator in the Kano Free Trade Zone spoke to Ismail Aniemu recently
He commended the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu for leading the command into compliance and productivity
Nasidi specifically lauded the feats of Best Area Controller, Best Command in Anti Money Laundering , Best in Revenue Generation and Best in Commonity Relations as highly commendable under Comptroller Abubakar within ten months
(Q)How you feel about the Kano Area Command under Controller Dalhatu Abubakar, who has emerged the Customs Controller of the Year 2025.
Actually, among all the officers I have worked with in Kano, I have met many Controllers, but what I have seen in this current Controller is true transformation.
Before his arrival, people used to call the Kano Command a native, disorganized command where nothing was done properly. But after his arrival , he completely changed that perception. He taught us how to do our work professionally, how to handle our documentation, and how to follow the right procedures to avoid unnecessary problems.
He invested in our training, guided us, and showed us the proper way to carry out our duties. Honestly, Kano has changed significantly under his leadership. The command has improved greatly, and today, we can confidently compete with other commands.
(Q) What would you say is the contribution of the Kano Free Trade Zone to the success of Kano Command?
Before he came, some people were damaging the image of the place because they were involved in improper activities. When he assumed office, he removed all those who were doing the wrong things, and that single action changed the entire atmosphere.
Today, the Kano Free Trade Zone is thriving. It is truly benefiting the people of Kano. Companies are manufacturing, businesses are growing, and positive activities are taking place every day.
When you visit the zone now, you see so many functioning companies that you might even forget you are in Kano because the transformation is unbelievable. Many people have no idea what is happening there .
I would like us to go around together so you can see the companies yourself and help publish the real story of the Kano Free Trade Zone.
Before he came, the revenue generated was very low. But now, from January to October alone, the Free Trade Zone has generated more than N20 billion Naira in revenue , something nobody ever imagined possible. To us, he is nothing short of a miracle worker. He transformed everything, not in a small way, but in a truly remarkable and impactful manner.
(Q) Tell us about the level of employment that the Free Trade Zone has created in Kano. Is it giving people jobs? Does it promote business?
Many people are now working in the Free Trade Zone. I know one company alone that employs more than 2,500 people. I can even take you there so you can see it for yourself. That is why I suggested we set aside a full day to go around together. When it’s closing time, you will be amazed at the number of workers coming out, most of them women.
There is a company where 50% of the workforce are women and 40% are men. Seeing how our people are earning a living there will truly make you happy.
Overall, the Free Trade Zone has created more than 5,000 jobs even more in my estimation. I can point out just one company with over 2,000 workers. Employment has really expanded. People are getting jobs, and the impact is visible everywhere. Even areas that used to be considered bad, like the surroundings of the prison, are now filled with hardworking women and youths who are gainfully employed.
(Q) Can you tell us the kind of products they manufacture in the Free Trade Zone?
There is a wide variety of manufacturing activities taking place in the Free Trade Zone. Some companies produce cooking oil, others make shoes, textiles, electrical lighting, furniture, roofing sheets, plastic products, and jerry cans. The diversity is impressive. Several companies are also preparing to launch new production lines their machines have already arrived, and installation is ongoing.
The zone is full of active factories and a large workforce. Some companies focus on food items, others on drinks and beverages. Altogether, the range of products being manufactured in the Free Zone is broad, and the level of activity shows how much growth and development is happening there.
(Q) What is your message to people who would like to come and invest in Kano, especially because of the trade facilitation by the Nigeria Customs Service?
I strongly advise investors to come now . This is the right time to invest in Kano. Not just to bring in finished products, but to establish their operations here. We have the manpower, we have the population, and we have strong purchasing power. Kano can compete with any market. With the Free Trade Zone, you are not limited to Kano alone; you can sell to every country in Africa. You can export anywhere. That is why I encourage people to come to the Kano Free Trade Zone and invest. It is a strategic opportunity they should not miss.
(Q) What is your message to the Nigeria Customs Service in the face of this achievement as the best Customs Command in Nigeria?
The Customs Command is performing exceptionally well. Our manpower now comes largely from Kano, and they are truly supporting the people. There is trust, cooperation, and everything is running smoothly. They are helping us carry out our duties effectively. Our controller is a person of integrity, and his team is committed to doing their jobs the right way. The entire command is functioning responsibly and professionally.
I want to advise them to continue the great work that Comptroller Abubakar has started. His achievement is a legacy
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