Adamu Becomes Acting Kano/Jigawa Customs Controller, Pledges Revenue Growth, Stronger Anti-Smuggling Operations
The newly appointed Acting Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Command, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, has assumed duty with a pledge to consolidate ongoing reforms, boost revenue generation, and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts across the command.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Adamu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, describing his appointment as both “humbling and inspiring”. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, who was recently recognized as the Best Area Controller of the Year 2025, promising to sustain and build on his achievements.
Adamu highlighted the strategic importance of the Kano/Jigawa Command, which hosts a Free Trade Zone, an international airport, inland dry ports, cargo terminals and key border locations, adding that Kano remains one of the nation’s foremost commercial centres and a gateway to regional markets.
He stated that his leadership would align with the Comptroller-General’s policy of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, focusing on the three core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service: revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations. According to him, deliberate programmes will be implemented to support legitimate trade and promote industrial growth.
Adamu disclosed plans to strengthen internal units and committees within the command, including the Monitoring and Compliance Unit, which will be upgraded with data analytics capabilities and real-time performance dashboards. The One-Stop Shop Committee, he added, would be empowered to promptly resolve clearance disputes, while regular training and stakeholder engagement would be intensified.
He further announced the implementation of a Cargo Transire Reconciliation System to ensure full accountability for container movement across terminals. He reaffirmed that officers would be held responsible for compliance, stressing that the directives of the Comptroller-General must be strictly followed.
On anti-money laundering efforts, Adamu noted that the command’s recent recognition for excellence in AML/CFT enforcement reflected its progress in combating financial crimes. He pledged continued sensitization on currency declaration rules alongside firm enforcement against violations.
The Acting Controller also assured officers that welfare would remain a priority, citing ongoing renovation of barracks and plans to work with the Kano and Jigawa State Governments to enhance access to healthcare, education and other social amenities.
Adamu commended sister security and regulatory agencies for existing collaboration and promised deeper synergy to strengthen national security and economic protection.
He called on officers to remain committed and professional, assuring them that his administration would engage, consult and listen as it works to sustain the command’s achievements.
The outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi who is proceeding on statutory retirement after 35 years in service, highlighted major gains in revenue generation, enforcement, infrastructure and stakeholder relations during his 10-month tenure.
Zurmi said the command witnessed “remarkable transformation” driven by discipline and teamwork, noting that officers are now better positioned to discharge their duties professionally. He disclosed that enforcement activities led to several high-profile seizures, including the interception of undeclared foreign currencies at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, which drew national and international attention.
According to him, the command also regained the trust of stakeholders through transparency and professionalism, a development he said contributed to multiple recognitions at the Comptroller-General of Customs 2025 Annual Dinner and Awards Night. The awards received include Best Area Command in Anti-Money Laundering Activities, Most Improved Command in Import Revenue Generation, Most Outstanding Command in Community Relations and Best Controller of the Year.
On revenue performance, Zurmi said the command introduced weekly revenue appraisal meetings to improve transparency and efficiency. He disclosed that revenue from the Kano Free Trade Zone rose significantly from N2.6 billion between January and November 2024 to N19.6 billion in the same period in 2025.
Overall revenue for the command as of December 30, 2025 stood at N112.7 billion, up from N102.5 billion in 2024. He added that a Revenue Recovery Team also recovered previously lost revenue from cargo diversion cases, which he said would be handed over to his successor for further action.
The outgoing controller also highlighted capacity building initiatives for officers and stakeholders, noting that sensitization programmes enhanced professionalism within the command.
In the area of welfare and infrastructure, Zurmi listed the provision of recreational facilities, playgrounds at Dakata Senior Officers’ Barracks, waste dumpsters, and strengthened security architecture across offices and barracks. Visitor tagging and domestic staff registration were also introduced to improve security, he said.
He pledged support for the new Acting Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller U.U. Adamu, expressing confidence that the command would attain greater achievements under his leadership.
Zurmi expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, management of the Service, Zone B leadership, officers of the command, security agencies, stakeholders and business communities in Kano and Jigawa States for their support during his tenure.
He closed by asking forgiveness from those he may have offended and offering same in return, while praying for continued progress of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Until his recent appointment, he was the Team Leader of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) in Apapa where he contributed to the revenue, anti smuggling and trade facilitation success of the area by offering support of credible intelligence leading to seizures and prevention of revenue leakages
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