The Nigeria Customs Service has committed to fostering relationships with compliant stakeholders in 2024.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this commitment, during the International Customs Day Celebration at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event had in attendance the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,
Representative of the Honourable Minister of Trade, Investment and Industries, Chief Executives of Nigerian Ports Authority,
NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, among other stakeholders.
Speaking at the Conference, the CGC noted that choosing the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Customs, Engaging Traditional and New Partners with a Purpose,’ aligns with the service core objectives outlined in the three-point agenda of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration.
He said the agenda has been the guiding principle, “Providing a framework for our actions over the past seven months, steering our customs activities under my administration.”
He expressed the NCS’s commitment to fostering substantially improved relationships with compliant stakeholders in the New Year.
He said, “This year, we commit to fostering a substantially improved relationship with all of you, our stakeholders, especially those who respect our rules. We recognize that authentic partnerships are constructed on mutual respect and understanding.
“Those who remain compliant and abide by the rules can anticipate a more streamlined and supportive collaboration.”
The Customs’ Boss announced the launch of a Time Release Study in February 2024, “this is a comprehensive exercise aimed at optimizing our processes and reducing the time it takes for goods to be released in our ports and border stations.
“This study is a scientific and strategic move towards enhancing our operations and I call upon the cooperation of all our partners, particularly those of you already organized under the framework of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, to actively participate in this endeavor.”
In his keynote address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasised the importance of collaboration in facilitating trade and improving revenue generation.
“In this era of increased interdependence, Customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation,” he stressed.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for streamlining its cargo clearance process.
“At this juncture, let me commend the customs leadership for agreeing to abandon the physical examination of cargoes at our ports and prioritising scanners. This development would not only increase revenue, but it will ensure port efficiency and competitiveness. And it will reduce drastically the cargo turnaround time,” he stated.
The Minister assured of his ministry’s support for collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the international trade community, aiming for a more sustainable use of Ocean and Coastal Resources for Economic Growth.
The event also witnessed special recognition of internal and external stakeholders through awards made by the World Customs Organization Headquarters.
Notable among recipients is the Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service, the Caretaker group of the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN) for rendering exceptional service to the International Customs Community, as well as officers and men of the service, who have, through their works and commitments, exemplified the spirit of collaboration and unity.
Dominica Nwabufo
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