Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, and Senator Abdulaziz Yari have urged customs officers and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to promote trade and strengthen the national economy.
They made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation and launch of a book titled *Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023: Historical Context, Service Reforms and Predicament of Application*, authored by retired Customs Comptroller, Abdullahi Bello Gusau.
The event was held at the Ahmed Makarfi Hall of the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada.
Adeniyi, who served as the chief host, said the book provided an important examination of the challenges associated with transitioning from the previous legal framework to the Customs Act 2023.
He said the strength of the book lay in its focus on the “predicament of application” and the practical challenges of implementing the new law.
“The true brilliance of the book lies in its willingness to tackle the ‘predicament of application,’ which is by transitioning from a 65-year-old legal framework to a cutting-edge statutory regime in a complex journey,” Adeniyi said.
He reminded Customs officers and other stakeholders that legislation could only achieve its objectives when effectively implemented by those responsible for its enforcement.
“Laws do not enforce themselves; they are applied by people within a dynamic economic ecosystem,” he said.
According to him, the book captures some of the practical challenges arising from the transition, including operational adaptability, stakeholder alignment and jurisdictional clarity.
Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, DCG Suleiman Ciroma, urged stakeholders to study the book with an open mind and apply its lessons to improve compliance and facilitate legitimate trade.
“Let it be a guide for compliant trade. The NCSA 2023 was not designed to punish; it was designed to protect Nigerian businesses, secure and boost the national economy,” he said.
Governor Lawal, who was the special guest of honour, congratulated the author for documenting his decades of experience in the Customs Service.
The governor, represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Acacia African Commodity Exchange, Alhaji Usman Balarabe, said the publication would contribute significantly to the institutional memory of the NCS.
“The book by retired Comptroller Abdullahi Bello Gusau would contribute tremendously to the institutional memory of the Nigeria Customs Service as it makes bold efforts to revolutionise our foreign trade,” he said.
The chairman of the occasion, former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Muhammed Gusau (retd.), also commended the author for documenting his experience and knowledge of the Customs Service.
Gusau, who was represented by the Danmasanin Gusau, Alhaji Shehu Umar Sambo, said the publication would serve as a reference point for Customs officers, professionals and other stakeholders in the years ahead.
He also commended the publisher for showcasing the contributions of the Customs Service and Zamfara State, while urging other serving and retired officers to emulate the author by documenting their experiences.
The chief launcher, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, described the publication as a testimony to the author’s distinguished career in the Nigeria Customs Service.
Yari, who was represented by former Zamfara State Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, said the presence of dignitaries and stakeholders from Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna further underscored the author’s standing and contributions to the service.
The Sultan of Sokoto was represented at the event by the Sarkin Burmin Jabo, Alhaji Aliyu Garba.
