- Kano Customs Service generated ₦63.08 billion in the first half of 2026.
- Revenue increased by 7.4% compared to 2025.
- Kano Free Trade Zone contributed over ₦26 billion.
- Significant seizures included illegal pharmaceuticals, weapons, and foreign currencies.
- 22 suspects were arrested related to these operations.
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced an impressive revenue generation of ₦63.08 billion between January and June 2026. This result marks a notable 7.4 percent increase compared to the ₦58.39 billion collected during the same period in the previous year, showcasing the Command's ability to enhance fiscal performance amidst economic challenges.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, provided these updates during a press briefing held at the Customs House in Bompai, Kano. Adamu linked this encouraging revenue performance to several strategic initiatives, emphasizing operational adjustments and intensive collaboration with various security agencies.
Despite a downturn in cargo throughput, the contributions from the Kano Free Trade Zone have been particularly substantial, generating over ₦26 billion in the first half of the year. Adamu noted that this amount surpasses the entire revenue contribution of the Free Trade Zone for the whole of 2025 by around ₦4 billion. In addition, approximately ₦3 billion was recovered through strict enforcement of transit protocols.
The Acting Controller praised the Command's commitment to improving revenue collection while combating smuggling and protecting the national economy. Recent enforcement actions included a series of intelligence-driven operations that led to the confiscation of prohibited and restricted items across 13 categories.
Among the seized goods were unregistered pharmaceuticals, including tramadol and pregabalin; weaponry such as four air pistols; elephant tusks, military equipment, and extensive quantities of foreign refined vegetable oil. The Command also seized various smuggled vehicles and counterfeit agrochemical packaging materials. In relation to these seizures, 22 suspects have been apprehended, with some in custody for further investigations while others are on administrative bail.
Furthermore, operatives at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a range of undeclared foreign currencies and negotiable instruments. This included the seizure of significant amounts of cash, totaling 568,100 US dollars and other foreign currencies, valued at ₦175 million, contravening the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2022.
Adamu highlighted that the Command's success is a direct result of ongoing reforms, including the implementation of an end-to-end transit monitoring system, enhanced intelligence surveillance, and a real-time revenue monitoring dashboard. The leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been pivotal in strengthening the NCS operations on a national scale, according to Adamu.
He concluded by urging stakeholders and the public to adhere to the government's fiscal and trade policies, reinforcing the Command's dedication to sustaining intelligence-led operations that facilitate lawful trade, safeguard the economy, and enhance revenue generation.
Why This Matters
The Kano Customs Service's robust revenue performance not only indicates improved operational efficiency but also reflects the agency's commitment to fighting smuggling and enhancing trade compliance in Nigeria.