Customs Pledges Stronger Border Security, Trade Facilitation at Maigatari Border Station
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Usman Adamu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) commitment to strengthening border security while promoting legitimate cross-border trade at Maigatari Border Station.
He gave the assurance on Friday, 13 February 2026, during a familiarisation visit to the Maigatari border area in Jigawa State, part of efforts to enhance operational oversight, intensify inter-agency collaboration and reinforce stakeholder engagement.
Addressing officers, community leaders and government officials, DC Adamu described Maigatari as a strategic gateway for lawful trade and economic activity.
“Effective border management is built on strong collaboration and timely intelligence sharing. Maigatari remains critical to legitimate trade flows, and our responsibility is to facilitate lawful commerce while ensuring that our borders are not exploited for criminal activities,” he said.
He thanked the host community and sister agencies for their continued cooperation. “Our mandate cannot succeed without the support of the community and other security agencies. We value this partnership and will continue to strengthen it in the interest of national security and economic development,” he added.
The Acting Area Controller was received by officers at the border station, representatives of security and regulatory agencies, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Jigawa State, Aminu Babura, the Chairman of Maigatari Local Government Area, Usman Na’Allah, and other key stakeholders.
Welcoming the delegation, Na’Allah assured the Command of the Local Government’s support.
“We appreciate this visit and assure you of the support of the Local Government and the people of Maigatari. Border security and lawful trade are in our collective interest,” he said.
During the visit, DC Adamu assessed operational activities at the border station and inspected the control centre operated by the Nigeria Immigration Service, where cross-border movements are monitored in real time.
He also toured the Maigatari Free Trade Zone, engaging with its management and reiterating the Service’s readiness to support measures to enhance the Zone’s operational efficiency.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to supporting measures that enhance operational efficiency, including the deployment of modern ICT solutions,” he said.
Speaking at the engagement, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Aminu Babura, conveyed the Jigawa State Government’s resolve to revitalise the Free Trade Zone to attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
Similarly, the Managing Director of the Zone, Abdulaziz Hadejia, disclosed that additional infrastructure development is underway to improve competitiveness and boost investor confidence.
