The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has recorded a seamless leadership transition with the assumption of duty by the new Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Usman Adamu.
The formal handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 31, 2025, marking the end of the tenure of Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, who retired after 35 years of service to the nation.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Tahir Balarabe, the Service said the appointment of DC Adamu represents continuity in leadership and a commitment to consolidating the Command’s operational efficiency and revenue achievements.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Customs Area Controller expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him. He described the transition as a generational shift and acknowledged the mentorship and leadership support he received from his predecessor.
DC Adamu reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, with a focus on revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations. He pledged to sustain the Command’s upward revenue trajectory through intelligence-driven enforcement and improved operational efficiency.
Describing the Kano/Jigawa Area Command as strategic to national economic development, he assured stakeholders of enhanced service delivery across key operational hubs, including the Free Trade Zone, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the Inland Dry Port and bonded terminals within the Command’s jurisdiction.
“Our goal is to make these facilities more user-friendly and efficient to encourage legitimate trade, attract investment and support economic growth,” he said.
The Acting CAC also identified officers’ welfare and inter-agency collaboration as priority areas, pledging to advocate for capacity-building and development programmes from the NCS Headquarters, while strengthening cooperation with the Kano and Jigawa State Governments.
In his valedictory remarks, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dalhatu Abubakar, said the Command had undergone significant transformation during his tenure, evolving into a modern and dynamic formation marked by professionalism and confidence among officers.
He disclosed that as of December 30, 2025, the Command had generated ₦112.7 billion in revenue, compared to ₦102.5 billion recorded in 2024. He also noted a remarkable increase in revenue from the Kano Free Trade Zone, which rose from ₦2.6 billion to ₦19.6 billion within the same period.
Comptroller Abubakar concluded by praying for the success of his successor and expressing gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management of the Service and all stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure.
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