UN-Habitat, Nigeria Customs forge alliance to tackle smuggling
Story from Haruna YUSUF, Abuja
The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reaffirmed his commitment to combatting smuggling and safeguarding Nigeria’s economy from those engaged in illicit activities.
The CG reiterated this commitment on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, led by Dr. Raymond Edoh, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
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The Acting CG stated: “On behalf of the entire Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service, I wish to inform you that we will partner with you in this campaign, and we will grant you all forms of support you may need to carry out this campaign — and I want to assign one of our amiable DCGs, Abba Kura, to work with you closely.”
He expressed his gratitude for the UN-Habitat delegation’s effort in visiting the Nigeria Customs Service and acknowledged that their campaign against smuggling has already yielded positive results in curbing this menace.
The CG also welcomed Dr. Raymond’s offer to enhance the digital literacy skills of Customs officers and personnel.
He emphasized that the Service has already begun incorporating technology into its operations and is introducing related training courses for its staff.
The CG appreciated the collaborative spirit between the Nigeria Customs Service and UN-Habitat, viewing it as a strong commitment to addressing smuggling issues and promoting trade facilitation within the nation. This collaboration sets the stage for a more prosperous future.
He emphasized, “What we’re trying to do is to raise a modern Customs Service through partnering with stakeholders to achieve our goals because we value partnership, and I am happy that you extended your hands of collaboration to work with us.”
Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude for the commitment to train Customs personnel in digital literacy skills, assuring that the relevant department within the Service would prioritize proficiency to enhance trade facilitation.
Dr. Raymond Edoh, the Director of UN-Habitat, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting the responsibility of leading the Nigeria Customs Service to the Acting Comptroller-General, whom he described as “a competent Customs officer who knows the terrain and masters the job.”
He explained that their visit to the Acting CG at the Customs Headquarters was to express their keen interest in collaborating with the Service.
He appreciated the Service for being a “gatekeeper of the country” that protects citizens against border threats, stressing that his organization will collaborate with NCS to mitigate the smuggling of illicit goods and train officers and men of Customs on digital literacy skills and certification.
UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for developing urban policies and translating them into action to create sustainable cities and promote viable urban development and adequate shelter for all.
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