The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a significant increase in revenue, with a 10.1% rise between January and October 2025. The command generated N93.9 billion during this period, compared to N85.3 billion collected in 2024. Additionally, the Kano Free Trade Zone saw a substantial surge in revenue, from N2.6 billion in 2024 to N17.7 billion in 2025, representing a 582.93% increase. This growth is attributed to enhanced oversight and improved trader compliance.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State commended the command’s achievement, praising the Area Controller, Dalhatu Abubakar-Zurmi, for his leadership and innovative approach. The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Investment, Shehu Wada-Sagagi, noted that the command’s emergence as the most improved revenue command at the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference is a testament to its hard work and dedication.
The command’s achievements extend beyond revenue growth, as it has also made significant strides in intercepting illicit drugs, which pose a threat to families across the state. Governor Yusuf urged Mr. Abubakar-Zurmi to document his achievements as a reference for future customs officers, highlighting the importance of his leadership in setting a benchmark for reforms and modern customs operations.
In his remarks, Mr. Abubakar-Zurmi thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs for entrusting him with the leadership of the command. He attributed the command’s success to the cooperation of stakeholders, which transformed initial resistance into trust. The controller commended his officers, describing them as capable of heading any formation in the service, and reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance stance against smuggling.
The command’s transformation has been praised by stakeholders as unprecedented in the history of the area command. The success of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command serves as a model for other customs commands, demonstrating the importance of effective leadership, innovation, and collaboration in achieving revenue growth and combating illicit activities. As the command continues to build on its achievements, its efforts are expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the country’s trade and security environment.
