Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has called for a strengthened partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to advance economic development and reinforce border security in the state.
Governor Otu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, at the Service’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. The high-level engagement centered on fostering collaboration in key economic areas and enhancing the state’s strategic border management.
In his remarks, Governor Otu commended the Customs Service for its pivotal role in national revenue generation and security operations. He lauded the Service’s impressive ₦6.1 trillion revenue record in 2024, noting that Cross River’s Command alone contributed approximately ₦200 billion—highlighting the state’s growing relevance in national economic affairs.
The Governor praised the professionalism of Customs officers stationed at the state’s borders, particularly at Mfum and Ikang, which serve as critical entry points from Cameroon. He acknowledged their ongoing anti-smuggling operations and announced that the state government had recently donated operational vehicles to boost surveillance and enforcement efforts.
Governor Otu emphasized the need for deeper cooperation in areas such as export promotion, revitalization of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and Tinapa Business Resort, and support for over 50,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently sheltered in the state. He noted that the state is intensifying export activities and sought Customs’ technical support in streamlining export processes for local producers and investors.
He also provided updates on major economic projects, including the development of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, and appealed for enhanced Customs presence and logistics to ensure the success of Cross River’s industrial and trade zones, especially Tinapa and the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
In his response, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit and recognition. He detailed Customs’ ongoing reforms to improve trade facilitation, including the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and the Advanced Ruling System, which have helped position Nigeria more favorably in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings.
Adeniyi assured the Governor of the Service’s commitment to supporting Cross River’s economic vision. He particularly welcomed the push to rejuvenate Tinapa and pledged Customs’ full cooperation in the development of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.
“Our trade facilitation programmes were designed from the blueprint provided by the President’s policy advisory document at the inception of this administration,” the Comptroller-General said. “We are committed to supporting Cross River’s ambitions through efficient Customs procedures and strategic cooperation.”
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen institutional collaboration, with both leaders expressing optimism that the renewed alliance would drive meaningful gains in economic productivity, national security, and customs revenue in Cross River State.
