Pulse.ng : Customs Zone B Marks International Customs Day, Reaffirms Commitment to Efficiency, Security, Prosperity

By Hussaina Yakubu

Customs officers and stakeholders gathered on Monday at the Zonal Headquarters, Kaduna, to commemorate International Customs Day 2025 under the theme, "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity."

In his address, Comptroller. Adekule Oloyede, Zonal Coordinator for Zone B, emphasized the critical role customs administration plays in securing borders, enabling legitimate trade, and driving economic growth.

He highlighted the theme as a call to action, urging customs officers and stakeholders to strengthen efforts in delivering measurable progress.

“The World Customs Organization (WCO) theme underscores the need for customs to enhance efficiency, security, and prosperity.eL Zone B must embrace innovative strategies to meet this mandate,” Oloyede said.

He detailed the zone's achievements and priorities in alignment with the WCO theme:

The introduction of the Advanced Ruling System and the indigenous customs clearance platform, B’Odogwu, has reduced clearance delays and improved transparency.

He said on security, notable enforcement efforts over the past year have led to major seizures, including narcotics, arms, and illicit goods.

He added that advanced scanning systems and geo-spatial technologies are being deployed to combat smuggling and other transnational crimes.

"Zone B has consistently surpassed revenue targets while facilitating trade policies that boost industrial growth and job creation.

Oloyede commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and urged officers to remain steadfast in overcoming challenges such as smuggling and illicit trade.

The Secretary-General of the WCO, Ian Saunders, in a video message, highlighted the need for customs administrations to transform commitments into tangible actions.

He said “This year, we must focus on communicating our successes and ensuring that customs remain a driver of trade facilitation, security, and sustained economic growth,” he said.

Earlier, the Area Comptroller of Kaduna Command, Tijjani Abe, welcomed participants and urged all stakeholders to recommit to upholding customs' values of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

“Together, we will continue to deliver on our commitments, making a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians,” he said .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports,International Customs Day, celebrated annually, serves as a reminder of customs' critical role in global trade, border security, and economic development.(NAN)