Customs Moves to Revive Trade and Revenue Collection in Niger State

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is exploring new measures to remove barriers affecting legitimate trade, cross-border activities and revenue generation in Niger State.

The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Nsikak Umoh, disclosed this in Minna during the Service’s ongoing consultation and stakeholder engagement across the zone.

Umoh visited the Niger/Kogi Area Command as part of a zonal oversight exercise aimed at assessing the command’s operational readiness and strengthening Customs activities across Zone B.

During the visit, she met with officers and personnel while also holding discussions with key stakeholders in the state.

The engagement was aimed at improving cooperation between the Customs Service and businesses, facilitating legitimate trade and identifying ways to strengthen revenue collection.

Stakeholders Seek Babanna Border Reopening

A major issue raised during the meeting was the prolonged closure of the Babanna border, which stakeholders said has remained shut since 2018.

They argued that the closure had negatively affected economic activities and legitimate trade among communities located along the border.

The stakeholders appealed to the Customs Service and other relevant authorities to reconsider the closure and explore ways to reopen the border while maintaining effective security and anti-smuggling measures.

They said improved access to legitimate cross-border trade could help businesses and communities while also creating additional opportunities for government revenue generation.

Focus on Trade and Anti-Smuggling

The stakeholder meeting also examined operational procedures within the Free Trade Zone and ongoing efforts to tackle smuggling.

Discussions focused on identifying practical solutions to challenges confronting businesses and traders involved in cross-border activities in Niger State.

The Customs Service said stronger collaboration with stakeholders would be essential to creating an environment where legitimate businesses can operate more efficiently while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.

Niger/Kogi Command Records Strong Revenue Performance

Despite the challenges facing operations, Umoh praised the Niger/Kogi Area Command for its revenue performance.

She disclosed that the command had surpassed its N17 million revenue target, generating approximately N200 million as of August 12, 2026.

According to her, the performance reflects the commitment of Customs personnel to fulfilling the Service’s revenue-collection mandate.

The engagement ultimately provided an avenue for Customs officials and stakeholders to consider measures aimed at boosting legitimate trade, improving revenue generation and strengthening border security across Niger State.