The Comptroller-General of Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to closer collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and a more effective monitoring of the nation’s borders.
Adeniyi gave the assurance when he hosted the newly elected National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, and his management team at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.
In his welcome remarks, the Comptroller-General, who thanked the association’s commendation and endorsement of ongoing Customs reforms, recalled that his assumption of office, the revenue agency had prioritised collaboration as a means of balancing revenue generation, national security, and trade facilitation.
He said: “When I assumed office, one of the first things I was deliberate about was the issue of collaboration. Revenue and security are important, but to succeed in both, we must also strengthen trade facilitation.
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“Today, I am pleased to inform you that we are fully on course with this collaboration. In that spirit, we will dedicate special desks for your members to resolve issues regarding the implementation of our processes”, Adeniyi added.
In his remarks, the NACCIMA President congratulated the CGS on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in customs administration.
Ibrahim commended the NCS management on the revenue agency’s reforms such as the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator programme, deployment of indigenous digital platforms known as B’odogwu, Time-Release Studies and improvements to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, describing
the innovations as desirable for reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, lowering cargo dwell time, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade.
The industrialist expatiated: “The private sector, through NACCIMA and the organised private sector, is fully committed to supporting Customs in achieving its mandate.
“We strongly advocate the establishment of a Joint Technical Facilitation Committee with representatives of both NACCIMA and Customs. This will provide a framework for regular consultation and measurable progress on all areas of collaboration”, Ibrahim added.
He maintained that such collaboration would not only reduce the cost of doing business but also position Nigeria more strategically under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
