NEGF Courtesy Visit: Zonal Coordinator Babandede Credits Collaboration for Zone A Revenue Growth.
By Iyioluwa Samuel The Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A, ACG Mohammed Babandede, has attributed the zone’s strong revenue performance and operational efficiency to stakeholder collaboration, compliance, and effective teamwork.
Babandede stated this while receiving members of the Nigerian Economic Growth Forum (NEGF) on a courtesy visit to NCS Zone A in Lagos.
During the interactive session, the delegate of NEGF sought clarification on the zone’s achievements and operating environment. Responding to a question on how commands under Zone A recorded impressive revenue growth despite global economic headwinds, including tensions in the Middle East, Babandede credited the Customs Area Controllers and institutional synergy.
He also praised the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing him as both an administrator and technocrat who understands the job and prioritizes officers’ welfare.
“When you have a leader who cares about welfare, the working environment becomes more comfortable and productive,” he said.
Earlier, NEGF Founder and Convener Adisa Yusuf Olamilekan thanked Babandede and the officers for hosting the delegation despite their busy schedule. He described the visit as a step toward strengthening engagement with a key institution for border security and trade facilitation.
Olamilekan said commands under Zone A contribute over 80% of total revenue to the Federation Account, supporting economic stability and boosting confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service.
He noted that NEGF was established in 2017 by TM Concepts to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through dialogue and practical solutions. The forum comprises professionals, development advocates, and journalists committed to harnessing Nigeria’s economic potential and promoting sustainable growth.
Olamilekan acknowledged the Nigeria Customs Service’s support for some of the forum’s initiatives and said such partnerships have strengthened NEGF’s commitment to national progress. He expressed optimism that sustained engagement between stakeholders and agencies like NCS would enhance mutual understanding and institutional cooperation.
He assured the ACG that the goodwill extended to the delegation would be conveyed to CGC Adeniyi.
The forum commended Zone A’s revenue performance as commendable given global economic uncertainties. It also announced the conferment of the Nigerian Economic Growth Ambassador recognition on ACG Mohammed Babandede for contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.
The visit underscored the role of collaboration between government agencies and policy advocacy groups in driving economic growth, improving trade efficiency, and strengthening national development.
