The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Kwara Area Command, has assured manufacturers of continued engagement and measures to ease legitimate trade, including digital customs processes, the Authorised Economic Operator, AEO scheme and import exemptions for critical industrial inputs and machinery.
The Command made the commitment at the 12th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Kwara/Kogi States Branch, held in Ilorin, as manufacturers and other stakeholders examined ways to unlock Nigeria’s industrial potential through a more efficient power value chain.
Representing the Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, the Officer in Charge of the Command’s Excise Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs Margaret Bassey Ita, said Customs was implementing reforms intended to make the movement of legitimate goods more predictable and efficient for businesses.
She identified the digitalisation of Customs processes as one of the measures aimed at streamlining cargo clearance, while the AEO scheme was designed to facilitate compliant businesses. She also pointed to recently approved import exemptions for critical industrial materials and machinery as measures capable of supporting productive activity.
Ita stressed the need for sustained engagement between Customs and manufacturers to identify and resolve operational challenges affecting businesses and legitimate trade.
The engagement comes as manufacturers continue to face pressure from high operating costs and infrastructure constraints, making efficient border procedures and predictable import processes increasingly important to industrial competitiveness.
The conference, held on September 3, 2026, at MAN House, New Yidi Road, Ilorin, was attended by MAN President, Otunba Francis Meshioye, and Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, among other stakeholders.
Beyond its engagement with the manufacturing sector, the Kwara Area Command also participated in a youth football tournament organised as part of broader community and security engagement in the state.
The Command’s Ag. Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Ogundeyi, attended the grand finale of the 17th edition of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup at the Kwara Football Academy Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on September 1.
The Under-13 and Under-17 tournament, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, brought together young male and female footballers from across the state.
Ogundeyi commended the Kwara State Police Command for sustaining the tournament, saying initiatives that provide constructive opportunities for young people can contribute to crime prevention, community security and social development.
He said the Customs Command would continue to support credible initiatives that promote youth development, peaceful coexistence and a secure environment for economic activity.
The Command said the two engagements reflected its broader approach to balancing its revenue and enforcement responsibilities with trade facilitation, stakeholder relations, inter-agency cooperation and support for legitimate economic activity.
It said it would continue working with manufacturers, security agencies and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting legitimate trade and contribute to economic development in Kwara State.