The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development, youth empowerment, inter-agency collaboration, and industrial growth.
This follows its participation in two major events in Kwara State.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, participated in the grand finale of the 17th edition of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup held at the Kwara Football Academy Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on September 1, 2026.
The grassroots Under-13 and Under-17 football tournament was organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Kwara State Branch, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, and featured young male and female athletes from across the state.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Sani Mohammed Suleiman, the event was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, and attended by representatives of the Kwara State Government and heads of security agencies in the state.
Speaking at the event, the CAC commended CP Adekimi Ojo and the Kwara State Police Command for sustaining the tournament over 17 consecutive editions, noting that youth-focused initiatives provide constructive opportunities for young people while contributing to crime prevention, community security, unity and social development.
DC Ogundeyi reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to support credible community initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, youth development, and a secure environment for economic activities.
In a related engagement, the Command, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, represented the NCS at the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara/Kogi States Branch, held at the Association’s House, New Yidi Road, Ilorin.
The conference, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial Potential Through an Efficient Power Value Chain,” attracted key stakeholders, including the President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, and the Director-General of the Association, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir.
Representing the CAC at the conference, Chief Superintendent of Customs Margaret Bassey Ita, Officer in Charge of the Command’s Excise Unit, delivered a goodwill message highlighting areas of mutual interest between the NCS and the manufacturing sector.
CSC Ita outlined some of the Service’s initiatives aimed at improving trade facilitation, including the digitalisation of customs processes to streamline cargo clearance, implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Scheme to facilitate compliant businesses, and recently approved import exemptions for critical industrial materials and machinery.
She also emphasised the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement between the NCS and MAN in identifying and addressing operational challenges affecting manufacturers and legitimate trade.
The Command noted that its participation in the two engagements reflects the NCS’s broader commitment to balancing revenue collection and enforcement responsibilities with community relations, inter-agency cooperation, trade facilitation, and support for legitimate industrial activities.
The Command added that it will continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders and support initiatives that contribute to security, economic development, and the growth of legitimate trade in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
