Customs: How Comptroller Abubakar Collapsed Protocols to Simplify Trade in Kano, Jigawa – Bala Madigawa
... "We're Not Surprised at the Awards, Truly Deserving"
Alhaji Abdulkadir Bala Madigawa, an operator in the Kano Free Trade Zone and Managing Director of H & C Commodities FZE explained in this interview that the winner of Nigeria Customs Service Controller of the Year, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar is not given to too much protocol when it comes to achieving his task in the interest of Nigeria
(Q) How do you feel about the recent recognition of the Kano/Jigawa Command, which received four awards from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, covering anti-money laundering, community relations, enhanced revenue collection, and the Comptroller’s own award as the Customs Comptroller of the Year 2025?
My name is Abdulkadir Bala Madigawa, CEO of H&C Commodity FZE, Kano Free Zone.
The four awards given to the Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Command did not come to us as a surprise . Infact, they simply confirm what many of us in the business community already know. I have closely followed the activities of this Command under four previous Comptrollers, and if you speak to any trader or businessperson in Kano State about Comptroller Abubakar, you will hear even more praises than what I am sharing now.
From the first day he assumed office, he introduced clear strategies, strong measures, and an uncommon level of commitment. That is why these achievements do not shock anyone familiar with his leadership.
He is highly educated ,a PhD holder who has proven the worth of his academic height with great performance and naturally, you do not expect someone with such capacity to perform below standard. The changes he brought into the Command are exactly what have culminated in these four well deserved awards.
He is a deeply disciplined officer. Under his leadership, even the dress code within the Command transformed. He insisted on strict uniform standards from Monday to Friday, helping restore and elevate the Command’s public image. Whether it is a working day or a seminar, you will see officers appearing neat, organized, and professional , a clear reflection of his influence.
Punctuality and dedication to duty also changed drastically. I can call it “overworking,” because it is normal to find him and his officers still at work around 11 p.m. I have personally visited him late at night and found the entire team fully engaged.
He exercises firm control over both the Kano and Jigawa operations, and during his tenure, it is rare to find officers lagging behind. Everyone works because he works with them, leading by example
He is not a sit in the office type of leader. He moves around, checks what is happening, and ensures the system functions. His open-door policy is real. If you have a problem, you don’t need to wait you can meet him directly and he resolves it immediately. I have met him both in the office and outside, and he attended to the matter right there on the spot.
He has even challenged the business community to come to him directly with any issue. And if you cannot come to him, he is willing to come to you. He visits offices, listens, and solves problems. This is a leader who understands the job and understands why he is here and the results speak for themselves.
(Q) Looking at businesses operating in Kano under his leadership, as a businessman, how have you succeeded compared to the past?
As I mentioned earlier, when Comptroller Abubakar arrived in Kano, he brought significant changes to the Command. He introduced innovative approaches to business operations, and given his background in the Public Relations Department, this was not surprising.
He mobilized the business community in ways we had never seen before. Almost every month, he organized sensitization seminars, inviting all sectors traders, agents, exporters, and operators.
These initiatives made business much easier. He personally engaged with business owners to understand their challenges and worked to attract more trade to Kano while minimizing delays in clearing goods. He educated the business community about Customs processes, clarifying when Customs intervention is necessary and when traders are entitled to their rights. If issues arise, he ensures proper procedures are followed and instructs officers to respect traders’ rights.
These seminars were particularly impactful. For example, when the B’Odogwu process was introduced, he ensured every trader understood it. Many traders, including myself, migrated fully to the platform in January, allowing us to conduct business conveniently, even from home.
In the Kano Free Trade Zone, there was significant disorder before his arrival. He personally visited the Zone over ten times and welcomed oversight from high level officials, including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, the Chairman of the House Committee, and several Assistant Comptroller General. His hands on approach, attention to detail, and tireless work ethic have made business operations smoother and more accessible.
Under his leadership, it became easy to meet the Customs Controller, a challenge in the past. He insisted that every clearing agent must have a proper office and visited them regularly to ensure compliance and protect traders. His transparency and strict adherence to the rules have earned him the respect of the trading community. He does not bend the rules; he ensures everyone follows proper procedures, teaching and guiding us along the way.
The four awards given to the Kano/Jigawa Command reflect this dedication. Hard work, knowledge, and engagement with the business community are key to such achievements. For example, in his first quarter in Kano, the Free Trade Zone generated ₦6 billion up from about ₦400 to 500 million the previous quarter. This is not luck; it is the result of persistent effort, follow up, and hands on leadership. Today, Kano consistently generates over ₦2 billion monthly.
His accessibility and commitment are evident in every aspect of his work. When leaders are open and approachable, it becomes easier to achieve results.
(Q)Looking at the Customs officers working under him, what advice do you have for them?
Because he has raised the standard of achievements and it would be sad to see that standard decline.
Other officers should emulate him. We all learn from our predecessors, and if the Kano–Jigawa Command wants to sustain these achievements, they must follow his example. They should study how he accomplished so much and use his methods as a foundation to build even greater successes. This is the path to lasting progress.
(Q) With the current Customs operations, what is your advice to businessmen considering investing in Kano? Is it friendly?
Kano is a very business friendly city, which is why it is often called the Centre of Commerce. Bankers even refer to it as the “cash centre” if you need financial transactions handled efficiently, Kano is the place to be.
Kano is a very welcoming and business-friendly city, which is why the Comptroller has been posted here multiple times. He understands the environment well, and every Customs officer knows that the people of Kano are supportive of trade and commerce.
I can also say with confidence that Kano has remained one of the most peaceful and secure states in northern Nigeria for many years. Despite its large population, it maintains a strong record of safety, making it an ideal environment for business and investment.
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