By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) katisna Area command has strengthened its partnership with the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agents (ANCLA) to improve trade facilitation and expand economic opportunities through the Funtua Inland Dry Port.The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammad Musa, made this known on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, during an engagement with ANCLA members at the Port Conference Hall of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, where he emphasised collaboration, professionalism and strict compliance with customs procedures. He said the Command would continue to wd agents to resolve operational challenges and create an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive, noting that efficient customs processes would attract more businesses and investments to the facility. “Our objective is to create an enabling environment where legitimate trade can flourish. We will continue to provide the necessary guidance and clarification on customs procedures while working with stakeholders to resolve operational challenges and improve efficiency,” he stated. He urged ANCLA members to uphold professionalism, transparency and compliance, noting that greater utilisation of the Funtua Inland Dry Port would stimulate activities in transportation, logistics, warehousing, clearing and forwarding and manufacturing, while creating additional employment and business opportunities for youths and other stakeholders.
The Director of Terminal Operations and representative of the ANCLA Chairman at the facility, Alh. Ahmed Dodo, commended the Command for its openness and willingness to engage licensed agents, pledging continued cooperation. “We are ready to collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Ser22vice to improve efficiency and enhance the economic potential of the facility,” Dodo affirmed.The engagement also underscored the broader economic value of strengthening stakeholder cooperation around the dry port, particularly as Customs and licensed agents seek to increase legitimate commercial activities and improve the ease of doing business in Katsina State.In a related development, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Dr. Abdulmuminu Usman,commended the Customs Area Controller for his leadership and commitment to trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement. The Emir gave the commendation on Thursday, 13 August 2026, when Musa paid a visit to his palace in Katsina.The Emir urged Customs and other stakeholders to sustain the partnership and work collectively to expand economic activities in the state, stressing the need for continued collaboration towards making Katsina more vibrant, prosperous and economically productive.
