By Yakubu Salisu, Kano
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commissioned the Kano Trade Office, Tsamiya Dry Port (KEBBI) initiative as part of efforts to boost regional trade networks, economic growth and development between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
According to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, ACG Sambo Kaliel Dangaladima, the initiative is driven by the need to optimize the economic potential of the region, enhance the efficiency of trade logistics, and straighten Nigeria’s position as a central trade hub in West Africa.
Dangaladima who underscores Kano’s importance as a key centre for commerce, highlighting the need for streamlined business processes in the region said this development follows a high-level inter-ministerial meeting between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Benin Republic in May 2024, aimed at fast-tracking the operationalization of the Segbama-Tsamiya border post.
He added that the Service under the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains committed to implementing and enforcing policies to achieve economic growth and development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s agenda.
This initiative, Sambo said demonstrates the Federal Government’s dedication to promoting economic integration and trade facilitation in the region. It is expected that the Kano trade office will play a critical role in transforming northern Nigeria into a vibrant trade hub, driving economic growth and solidifying Nigeria’s leadership in West African trade.
He reiterated that the Service under the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, remains committed to implementing and enforcing policies to achieve economic growth and development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s agenda.
The Kano/Jigawa Public Relation Officer of the Service, CPRO, SC Saidu Nuruddeen explained that it is expected the Kano trade office will play a critical role in transforming northern Nigeria into a vibrant trade hub, driving economic growth and solidifying Nigeria’s leadership in West African trade.
The Zonal Coordinator was accompanied by the Customs Area Controller of Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Compt Dauda Ibrahim Chana; Compt FOU B Ahmad Bello Shuaibu; CAC Kaduna, Compt Ahmed Tijjani Abe Phd fsi and CAC Katsina, Compt Idris Abba-aji while the gathering had the attendance of stakeholders from both countries including Alh Isa Salihu who has remain instrumental in ensuring its success.
The Trade Office is located at Magaji Rumfa, Nassarawa GRA Kano State.