By Elue Ebube
The Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has organised a sensitization workshop geared at equipping officers with advanced knowledge of the authorized Economic Operator (AOE) programme and legal procedures pertaining to enforcement and investigation.
This was contained in a press statement signed on June 28, 2025, by Assistant Superintendent of Customs Bashir Tanimu, the Public Relations Officer of the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command.
The statement stated that the workshop held on Thursday 26 June 2025 at the command conference hall in Sokoto recognised the importance of cascading the knowledge to officers at command level.
The workshop was spearheaded by the Sokoto/Zamfara command to ensure in-depth knowledge and operational zeal among its personnel.
It further stated that two technical papers were presented during the session. The presentation commenced with ASCI David Achomere delivering the first presentation on (AOE), followed by the presentation of the second paper titled “Legal procedures, enforcement and investigation” which was delivered by Deputy Superintendent of Customs Ibrahim Anka.
In his opening remarks, the ,Customs Area Control,ler Compt Umar Mohammed, applauded the officers for their massive show up and further urged them to take full advantage of the session. He emphasised on the fact that the AEO programme which is associated with international best practices and the NCS Act, 2023 is designed to improve trade facilitation, streamline Customs procedures and improve supply chain security.
“The AEO initiative will yield immense benefits to the Service, particularly in terms of increased revenue generation, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced stakeholder confidence,” the CAC stated.
Compt Abdulkadir encouraged the officers to convey the knowledge gained to their colleagues. “Apply the knowledge gained here diligently in your daily operations, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation and anti-smuggling in accordance with the provisions of the NSCA 2023” he further stated.
He concluded by stating that the Command remains committed to continuous capacity building for its officers as a strategic tool to improve service delivery and national economic security.
