As part of JournalNG’s overview of Customs operations in Kano State, Chief Executive Officer of Blackhorse Logistics, Mohammed Sani Utai, spoke exclusively with Ismail Aniemu about the changing business climate in the state, the role of private-sector stakeholders in supporting Customs revenue, and how the Service’s modernised processes are facilitating trade.
(Q) Could you tell us about yourself, your business, and your relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service?
My name is Mohd Sani Utai, and I am the CEO of Blackhorse Logistics, a company established primarily to provide clearing, forwarding and transportation services. We operate in Kano, Lagos and the United Kingdom.
I have been working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for over 30 years. Since graduating from the university, I have remained in the shipping and logistics industry, which is the business I know best.
(Q) So far, what’s your view about the business climate in kano?
Generally, a lot of private investors are coming into Kano, and we are seeing many new factories and businesses springing up. You can see this around Tokara, Wasai, Hadijonoma, Chala and Sharara, among other areas. A lot of other services are also coming into the city. So, the economy is growing, and both local and foreign investors are setting up new businesses across the city.
(Q) There are indications that cargo throughput is declining globally due to the Iran-US crisis, with its effects being felt across international trade. However, Customs revenue in Kano appears to remain strong. From your perspective as a private-sector stakeholder, what role are businesses like yours playing in sustaining trade and contributing to this revenue?
You know, we have a lot of compliant traders here in Kano, and our Acting Area Controller, DC Usman Adamu, is also doing a lot to tackle the loopholes that encourage smuggling. He has taken significant steps to curtail these activities, if not stop them completely.
For me, he has achieved a lot in that area. What I particularly appreciate is the way he is applying his technical knowledge of the Service. He is not necessarily making a lot of noise or relying on excessive physical enforcement. Instead, he is technically blocking the loopholes and making it difficult for people to engage in smuggling or other illegal activities.
This has helped to increase Customs revenue and improve compliance. There is also a stronger synergy between the Service and the business community, which I believe is contributing positively to trade in Kano.
(Q) Lastly, based on your experience operating a bonded terminal, how would you assess the level of trade facilitation provided by the NCS ?
You know, it’s not just my own business; generally, all our businesses depend on the Customs Service. One thing I would say about Customs is that, among the government agencies we deal with in Nigeria, it is one of the most modernised and computerised. The personnel are also well trained, and I believe the Service has made significant progress in modernising its operations. Most of their processes are now computerised, their policies are clearly defined, and the Service is gradually moving towards a paperless system. We may not be completely there yet, but we are getting close.
All these have made it easier for us to transact business with the Customs Service. The processes are clearly defined, largely computerised and, generally, the system is becoming smoother and more efficient.
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