CGC Adeniyi Strengthens Stakeholder Engagement with Visit to Emir of Gwandu

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has visited the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Bashar, as part of renewed efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions in strengthening border security and community engagement.

The visit, which took place at the Emir’s palace in Kebbi State on 7 February 2026, highlighted the Service’s recognition of traditional rulers as key partners in sustaining peace, promoting lawful trade, and supporting security agencies in border communities.

During the engagement, CGC Adeniyi said the Customs Service was strengthening its stakeholder partnership framework, noting that effective border management requires more than enforcement. He said traditional authorities remain crucial in sensitising border residents, discouraging smuggling, and building trust between security agencies and local communities. He reaffirmed the NCS’ commitment to continuous dialogue with the Kebbi Emirate Council to curb cross-border crimes that threaten national security.

In his remarks, the Emir of Gwandu commended the CGC for the visit and pledged the Emirate Council’s continued support to the NCS. He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information to curb smuggling and related criminal activities.

Earlier, the CGC visited the Kebbi Area Command of the NCS, where he inspected ongoing ultra-modern facilities aimed at boosting operational capacity and personnel welfare. He commissioned the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi E-Learning Centre and a newly constructed five-aside football pitch named after retired Deputy Comptroller-General Bello Mohammed Jibo.

Addressing officers and men of the Command, Adeniyi charged them to uphold discipline and professionalism, describing Kebbi as a strategically important border command for revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He stressed the need to ensure that all goods move strictly through approved corridors and warned against compromises in the handling of transit cargo.

The Customs chief noted that Kebbi remains a major route exploited by smugglers, particularly for the illegal export of petroleum products — a development that prompted special operations in the area. He also conveyed the President’s approval for the reopening of the Tsamiya border, warning that the decision comes with increased responsibility to prevent diversion of transit goods.

Adeniyi emphasised stronger inter-agency cooperation and cross-border collaboration to combat smuggling, banditry, terrorism, and organised crime. He assured officers of continued improvements in welfare and the deployment of technology to enhance operations.

The visit ended with a symbolic friendly football match between the CGC, senior officials, and officers at the newly commissioned pitch, aimed at boosting morale within the Command.