Customs Reaffirms Support for Youth Development, Industrial Growth in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, community security, trade facilitation and industrial growth in the state.

The Command made this known through its participation in two major engagements—the 17th edition of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup and the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara/Kogi States Branch.

The Ag. Area Controller, Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, participated in the grand finale of the police cup on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Kwara Football Academy Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

The grassroots football tournament, organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Kwara State Branch, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, brought together young male and female athletes in the Under-13 and Under-17 categories from across the state.

The event, hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, was attended by representatives of the Kwara State Government and heads of security agencies in the state.

Speaking at the event, Ogundeyi commended the Kwara State Police Command and CP Ojo for sustaining the tournament for 17 consecutive editions.
He said youth-oriented programmes such as the football competition provide young people with constructive avenues to develop their talents while helping to promote crime prevention, community security, unity and social development.

The Area Controller also reiterated the Customs Command’s willingness to support credible community initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment and a secure environment for economic activities.

Customs Engages Manufacturers on Industrial Growth
In a related development, the Kwara Area Command participated in the 12th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Kwara/Kogi States Branch, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Association’s House on New Yidi Road, Ilorin.

The conference, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial Potential Through an Efficient Power Value Chain,” brought together major stakeholders in the manufacturing sector, including the President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, and the Director-General of the association, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir.

Representing the Area Controller at the conference, the Officer in Charge of the Command’s Excise Unit, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Margaret Bassey Ita, delivered a goodwill message highlighting areas of mutual interest between the Customs Service and the manufacturing sector.

Ita outlined some of the Service’s measures aimed at improving trade facilitation and creating a more efficient environment for legitimate businesses.

According to her, these include 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 further stressed the need for sustained engagement between the NCS and manufacturers to identify and address operational challenges affecting the sector and legitimate trade.

The Kwara Area Command said its participation in both engagements reflects the broader mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service to balance revenue collection and enforcement with community relations, inter-agency collaboration, trade facilitation and support for legitimate industrial activities.

The Command added that it would continue to strengthen partnerships with relevant stakeholders and support initiatives that promote security, economic development and the growth of legitimate trade in Kwara State and Nigeria.

Sani Mohammed Suleiman
Deputy Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Unit
Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command
Ilorin, Kwara State