The Controller, Customs Area Command, Kaduna, Comptroller, Mr Sa’ad Hassan, has reiterated the service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with terminal operators to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Hassan made the pledge during a familiarisation visit to the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) and Skyblue Investment Bonded Terminal, according to a statement signed by CSC Ridwan Yusuf, the command’s Public Relations Officer.
Yusuf said the comptroller was accompanied by the Director of Legal Services, Deputy Comptroller in charge of KIDP, acting Deputy Comptroller of Excise, acting Deputy Comptroller of Revenue, Assistant Comptroller of Valuation, Team Leaders from the Customs Intelligence Unit, and other senior officers.
During the visit, Hassan emphasised the need for teamwork, professionalism, and collaboration with stakeholders in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
He said effective cooperation between Customs and terminal operators would boost compliance, facilitate trade, and sustain revenue growth through operational synergy.
In his remarks, the Port Manager, Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Alhaji Salami Razaq, lauded the comptroller’s visit and called for renewed efforts to revive cargo movement through the rail line to the terminal.
Razaq also stressed the need for the training of Customs licensed agents on documentation procedures via the B’Odogwu platform, while lauding the Deputy Comptroller in charge of the terminal for his leadership role.
At the Skyblue Investment Bonded Terminal, the Managing Director, Alhaji Kabir Birchi, highlighted challenges facing the facility, including low cargo volume and increased bond value, which he said had affected competitiveness.
He also expressed concern over the dominance of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port as the region’s only long-established multinational terminal.
In his response, Hassan assured the management of both facilities that their concerns would be looked into and addressed appropriately.
He pledged the command’s continuous support to improve operational efficiency, enhance stakeholder confidence, and foster a more business-friendly environment.
