On January 15, 2020, maritime expert Prince Olusegun Ologbese praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for creating eight new Area Commands to boost revenue collection. Speaking in Lagos, Ologbese said the restructuring optimizes the Service’s workforce and enjoys strong support from NCS officers.
Details of New Commands
The NCS unbundled existing Area Commands to establish eight new ones, enhancing operational efficiency. The new Commands include:
- Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Area Command, headquartered at MMIA, Lagos
- Ogun II Area Command, headquartered in Abeokuta
- North Eastern Marine Command, headquartered in Makurdi
- Kaduna Area Command, headquartered in Kaduna
- Kebbi Area Command, headquartered in Birnin Kebbi
- Kwara Area Command, headquartered in Ilorin
- North Western Marine Command, headquartered in Lokoja
- Port Harcourt Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Area Command, headquartered in Onne
Training and Doctrine Command Upgrade
The NCS Board, at its 50th meeting in May 2019, approved elevating the Command and Staff College to the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), led by a Deputy Comptroller General. Comptroller General Hameed Ali, via a statement from Deputy Comptroller General Aminu Dangaladima, said TRADOC will develop training curricula, conduct training, ensure synergy, and oversee all NCS colleges.
Enhancing Operational Capacity
Ologbese highlighted that the new Commands strengthen NCS’s ability to collect revenue and manage operations effectively. The restructuring aligns with the Service’s goal to modernize and meet national economic demands, particularly in trade facilitation and border management.
Leadership’s Vision
Hameed Ali emphasized that the reorganization reflects NCS’s commitment to efficiency. “TRADOC will streamline training and ensure our colleges deliver high-quality programs,” he stated. The new structure positions NCS to tackle challenges in Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.
Economic Impact
The creation of new Commands aims to boost Nigeria’s revenue, critical for the 2020 budget amid declining oil output. By improving customs operations, NCS supports trade growth and strengthens the economy, aligning with government efforts to enhance infrastructure and security.
