Committee visits Customs CG, seeks partnership in facilitating trade
Story from Haruna YUSUF
The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has welcomed members of the National Trade Facilitation Committee to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The chairman of the committee, SA Audi, expressed their purpose for visiting as a gesture of congratulations to the CGC for his appointment and to seek partnership in achieving their shared goal of facilitating trade.
“We congratulate you on your appointment and believe that with your vast experience, expertise, and leadership qualities, this organisation will thrive,” remarked SA Audi.
He further explained that their visit aimed to foster collaboration with Customs in developing and implementing policies that would streamline customs clearance and enable the prompt release of imported and exported goods, particularly for compliant traders.
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The chairman expressed their readiness to play vital roles in fulfilling the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasising the importance of working together to enhance trade facilitation in the country.
During discussions regarding World Trade Policies, Mr Audi shared that the committee had drafted a trade facilitation roadmap document to guide policy implementation.
In response, the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, commended the committee, led by SA Audi, for their visit and their commitment to strengthening the relationship between the committee and the Nigeria Customs Service. He also acknowledged their dedication to finding solutions for the challenges faced in trade in Nigeria.
The Acting CGC assured the committee of Customs’ full commitment and support, stating, “I have been engaging in extensive consultations with stakeholders because partnering with them is one of my top priorities.”
He went on to address the challenges mentioned, assuring the committee that the Nigeria Customs Service would gladly consider their suggestions.
Additionally, he informed them that once they relocated to their new headquarters, a designated space would be allocated for the committee to operate from.
The Committee comprises members from various organisations, including Customs, NAFDAC, Police, NDLEA, Ministry of Transport, FIRS, SON, CBN, NNPC, NASEMA, NACCIMA, and more.
