By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, community engagement, inter-agency collaboration and industrial growth through its participation in major events in Kwara State.
The Ag. Area Controller of the Kwara Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, made the commitment while participating in the grand finale of the 17th edition of the Kwara State Commissioner of Police Cup held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Kwara Football Academy Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.
The grassroots Under-13 and Under-17 football tournament was organised by the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), Kwara State Branch, in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force. The competition featured young male and female athletes 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 CP Ojo and the Kwara State Police Command for sustaining the tournament for 17 consecutive editions.
He noted that youth-focused initiatives provide constructive opportunities for young people while contributing to crime prevention, community security, unity and social development.
The acting Area Controller reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to support credible community initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, youth development and a secure environment for legitimate economic activities.
Customs Engages Manufacturers on Industrial Growth
In a related engagement, the Kwara Area Command represented the NCS at the 12th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kwara/Kogi States Branch, held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Association’s House, New Yidi Road, Ilorin.
The conference, themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Industrial Potential Through an Efficient Power Value Chain,” brought together key stakeholders in the manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Among those present were the President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye, and the Director-General of the Association, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir.
Representing the Acting Area Controller, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Margaret Bassey Ita, Officer in Charge of the Command’s Excise Unit, delivered a goodwill message highlighting areas of mutual interest between the NCS and the manufacturing sector.
Ita outlined several initiatives by the Customs Service aimed at improving trade facilitation and supporting legitimate businesses.
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 also stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the NCS and MAN to identify and address operational challenges affecting manufacturers and legitimate trade.
The Kwara Area Command said its participation in both engagements demonstrates the NCS’s broader commitment to balancing its revenue collection and enforcement responsibilities with community relations, inter-agency cooperation, trade facilitation and support for legitimate industrial activities.
The Command pledged to continue strengthening partnerships with relevant stakeholders and supporting initiatives that promote security, economic development and the growth of legitimate trade in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
