By Luck Isa.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Cross River State are collaborating to propel economic growth, as demonstrated by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi’s meeting with the Executive Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Prince Bassey Otu, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
In his remarks, the CGC appreciated the governor’s support and recognition of the Service’s work. He outlined key trade facilitation initiatives recently introduced by the Service, such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and the Advance Ruling System, which have improved transparency and efficiency in trade operations.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s dedication to supporting the state’s development projects. “Our trade facilitation programmes were designed from the President’s policy blueprint to create a business-friendly environment and ensure regulatory compliance,” he stated. “We are fully committed to supporting Cross River’s economic vision, particularly in reviving Tinapa and ensuring the success of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.”
In his remarks, Governor Otu lauded the Customs Service for its pivotal role in national revenue generation and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders. He commended the Service’s impressive ₦6.1 trillion revenue record in 2024, noting that the Cross River Command contributed a substantial ₦200 billion to the national purse.
He further praised the professionalism and dedication of Customs officers stationed in the state, particularly at the Mfum and Ikang border posts with Cameroon. These officers, he noted, have played an instrumental role in curbing smuggling and maintaining security in border communities. As part of efforts to bolster their operations, the governor highlighted the state’s recent donation of operational vehicles to the Customs Command.
The governor proposed several strategic areas for enhanced cooperation, including export promotion through streamlined Customs procedures, the revitalisation of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and Tinapa Business Resort, and humanitarian support for over 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently residing in the state. He also emphasised the importance of Customs’ involvement in the ongoing development of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port and other major economic initiatives.
The visit marked a significant step towards deepening collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Cross River State Government. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to shared goals of trade facilitation, border security, and economic revitalisation.
