Kwara Customs Command Remains Committed to Community and Industrial Growth.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has affirmed its commitment to community development, inter–agency collaboration, and industrial growth through its participation in two major events in the state.
The Ag. Area Controller Deputy sheriff Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi whose command participated in the grand finale in the 17th Edition of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup held at the Kwara Football Academy Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

The grassroots under 13 and under 17 football tournament was organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Kwara State Branch, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, and featured young male and female athletes from across the state.

The event which was hosted by the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, and was attended by representatives of the Kwara State Government and head of security agencies in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller Najeem commended the CP Adekimi Ojo, and the Kwara State Police Command for sustaining the tournament over 17 consecutive editions, noting that youth-focused initiatives provide constructive opportunities for young people while contributing to crime prevention, community security, unity, and social development.

Ag. DC Najeem said that his command’s readiness to support credible community initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, youth development, and a secure environment economic activities.

In a related engagement, the command represented the Nigeria Customs at the 12th Annual General Meeting AGM) and Conference of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Kwara- Kogi State Branch, held at the Association’s house, new Yidi road, Ilorin. The conference, which was themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial Potential Through an Efficient Power Value in Chain” affecting key stakeholders, including the President of MAN. Otunba Francis Meshioye, and the Director General of the association, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

Chief Superintendent of Custom (CAC) Margaret Bassey It’s, Officer in Charge of the command’s Excise Unit who represented the CAC, delivered a goodwill message highlighting areas of mutual interest between the NCS and MAN. She outlined some of the service’s initiatives aimed at improving trade facilitation, concluding the digitalization of customs processes to streamline cargo clearance, implementation of the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) scheme to facilitate compliant businesses, and recently approved import exemptions for critical industrial materials and machinery.

She emphasised the importance of continuous stakeholders engagement between agencies in identifying and addressing operational challenges affecting manufacturers and legitimate trade. The command noted that its participation in the two engagements reflects the Service’s broader commitment to balancing revenue collection and enforcement responsibilities with community relations, trade facilitation, and support for legitimate industrial activities.