The initiative was revealed on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dalhatu Abubakar, to Governor Umar Namadi at the Government House in Dutse.

Established in 2000, the Maigatari Free Trade Zone was designed to enhance industrialisation, attract foreign investment, and capitalise on its proximity to the Nigeria-Niger border. Despite its potential, the zone has remained largely inactive for over two decades.

Governor Namadi described the zone as a key economic asset for the state and expressed optimism that the current collaboration with the Nigerian Customs Service would lead to a full revival of operations. “This government is fully committed to bringing Maigatari to full operation,” he said, affirming his administration’s resolve to unlock the zone’s economic value.

He noted that Jigawa State had already taken significant steps towards reviving the zone, including the payment of statutory licenses and rural resettlement efforts in the surrounding areas. The state is also in discussions with potential investors to support the development of the zone.

Commending the Nigerian Customs Service for its willingness to support the project, Namadi added, “Your visit is a testament to the importance of partnership. We are ready to work closely with the NCS to ensure the success of Maigatari.”

Responding, Controller Dalhatu Abubakar assured the governor of Customs’ readiness to operationalise the zone. “If you want operations today, we can start today,” he said, while acknowledging some existing administrative and technical issues that need to be addressed.

Highlighting Maigatari’s strategic location, Abubakar said, “Unlike Kano, Maigatari borders a neighbouring country. That gives you a comparative advantage in international trade.”

He noted that with the right infrastructure and policy support, the zone could transform Jigawa into a major player in the northern trade corridor. “We have a lot in common and we are ready to brainstorm to meet your administration’s objectives,” he said.

The renewed partnership signals a broader push by the Jigawa State Government to revitalise legacy projects and leverage regional trade to spur economic growth.

The post Jigawa, Customs Collaborate to Revive Maigatari Free Trade Zone appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A statement signed and made available to Journalists by the spokesman of the command, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the Comptroller of Customs, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Kamal Muhammed, announced the official reopening.

The statement further notes that the reopening followed directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered the service and other security agencies to open both the land and air borders as well as immediately suspend all sanctions hitherto imposed on the county through ECOWAS, according to a statement 

“Sequel to the lift of sanctions on Niger Republic by ECOWAS and the subsequent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reopening of land and air borders with Niger Republic and lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

“The Comptroller charged MDA’s and security agencies at the border station to give maximum collaboration to each other in the area of trade facilitation, information and intelligence sharing for safe, efficient and effective service delivery at the border.

“He further stated that the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi commended the customs license agents and the Illela community for their patience and cooperation during the seven months border closure”

The statement further said the Comptroller assured the general public of a renewed and better service delivery while calling on them to abide by the import and export extant laws.

The post Customs Re-open Nigeria’s Land Border With Niger Republic appeared first on Housing TV Africa.