Ag. Controller Adamu is Redefining Customs-Manufacturer Relations in Kano — Evergreen Global CEO, Madu
For Mr Iyk Madu, Chief Executive Officer of Evergreen Global Industries FZE, the business experience in Kano has evolved considerably, particularly with the intervention of the Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu. In this interview with JournalNG, Madu speaks on his company’s manufacturing activities and how faster clearance of consignments, regular stakeholder engagements and the onboarding of manufacturers onto the B’Odogwu platform have contributed to a more seamless business environment in the Kano Free Zone.
(Q) Can you tell us about yourself and the work you do here in Kano?
I’m Iyk Madu, the CEO of Evergreen Global Industries FZE. I have been in Kano for about three years now. We are into manufacturing at the Kano Free Zone, where we produce household and fast-moving consumer goods. Essentially, products that people use on a daily basis.
One of our major products is iron sponge, which we produce in three different types, including rusting and non-rusting varieties. We also manufacture cotton buds, commonly known as ear buds, for personal hygiene and cleaning purposes. That is produced at our second factory, also located within the Free Zone. In addition, we manufacture other personal hygiene products, including bathing sponges and related household items.
(Q) Tell us about your relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service? How would you describe your experience and interactions with Customs, particularly under the current administration?
Honestly speaking, when I first came here, I faced some difficulties, particularly with the classification of my products and the payment of duties. We had to go through some challenges before these issues were resolved.
However, with the Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, things have improved considerably. He has made the ease of doing business more cordial, particularly for manufacturers operating within the Free Zone. He also made efforts to address some of the concerns we have been raising as manufacturers and ensured that the processes are aligned more closely with what obtains in other Free Zones.
For instance, the duty payment arrangement under the 40/59 procedure has made things easier for us. So, while we initially faced some challenges, I would say DC Usman Adamu has made significant efforts to improve the ease of doing business, especially for manufacturers, and make our interactions with Customs more friendly and efficient.
(Q) In precise terms, how has Customs helped your business to grow?
They have really helped us. For instance, when my consignment arrives, it does not take long to clear it. The process has become faster and more seamless. The Acting Controller has also introduced several initiatives to improve our understanding of Customs procedures. There are regular stakeholders’ meetings where he engages with us, coaches us and teaches us things that we may not have known before. This has made it much easier for us to understand the procedures and handle our operations properly. During the B’Odogwu onboarding, for example, he did a lot to guide us and teach us how to follow the process seamlessly. So, kudos to him.
There are so many aspects of the Customs process that, as manufacturers, we may not necessarily be expected to know, but he has made it a point of duty to continuously coach and guide us. The regular training, engagement and support have really helped us understand the processes and comply better with Customs requirements.
(Q) If your business succeeds, it also translates to people who work under that business succeeding. How many people have you employed so far?
We currently have about 45 workers across our two factories. We are also in the process of expanding our operations. We are bringing in additional machines to complement the ones we already have, which will enable us to produce two new varieties of sponge.
We expect to commence production of these new products by next month as part of our expansion plans.
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