Customs Zone A revenue success driven by teamwork, compliance — Babandede

Iyioluwa Samuel

Assistant Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A, Mohammed Babandede, has attributed the zone’s impressive revenue performance and operational efficiency to strong stakeholder collaboration, compliance by operators, and effective teamwork among officers and commands under the zone.

Babandede made the remarks while receiving members of the Nigerian Economic Growth Forum (NEGF) during a courtesy visit to the Zone A headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during an interactive session with the delegation, the Assistant Comptroller General explained that the success recorded by commands under Zone A, despite prevailing global economic uncertainties and tensions in parts of the Middle East, was made possible through institutional synergy and the commitment of Customs Area Controllers.

According to him, collaboration among stakeholders in the trade and customs ecosystem has remained critical in sustaining revenue generation and improving operational effectiveness across the zone.

Babandede also commended the leadership style of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing him as a seasoned administrator and technocrat who understands the demands of the service and places priority on the welfare of officers and men.

He noted that good welfare policies and a conducive working environment have contributed significantly to improved productivity and morale within the service.

“When you have a leader who cares about welfare, the working environment becomes more comfortable and productive,” Babandede stated.

Earlier in his remarks, the Founder and Convener of NEGF, Adisa Yusuf Olamilekan, expressed appreciation to the Assistant Comptroller General and officers of Zone A for receiving the delegation despite their busy operational schedule.

He described the visit as an important step toward strengthening engagement with one of Nigeria’s most strategic institutions responsible for border security, revenue generation, and trade facilitation.

Olamilekan noted that commands under Zone A contribute more than 80 per cent of total revenue accruing to the Federation Account, a development he said continues to support economic stability and reinforce public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service.

According to him, the Nigerian Economic Growth Forum was established in 2017 by TM Concepts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through dialogue, policy engagement, and practical solutions aimed at promoting sustainable development.

He explained that the forum consists of professionals, development advocates, and journalists committed to harnessing Nigeria’s economic potential and supporting initiatives capable of driving long-term national growth.

Olamilekan further acknowledged the support the Nigeria Customs Service has extended to some of the forum’s programmes and initiatives over the years, adding that such partnerships have strengthened the organisation’s commitment to national development.

He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government agencies, stakeholders, and advocacy groups would deepen institutional cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and further enhance trade and economic development in the country.

The NEGF delegation also commended the revenue performance of Customs Zone A, describing the achievement as remarkable considering the current global economic climate and uncertainties affecting international trade.

As part of the visit, the forum announced the conferment of the Nigerian Economic Growth Ambassador recognition on ACG Mohammed Babandede in recognition of his contributions to economic development, trade facilitation, and public service.

The courtesy visit further highlighted the importance of collaboration between government institutions and policy advocacy groups in driving economic growth, improving trade efficiency, and strengthening national development efforts across Nigeria.