Customs CG Adeniyi attends WCO AEO conference in China, advocates for trade enhancements (Pictures)

May 10, 2024

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Customs CG Adeniyi attends WCO AEO conference in China, advocates for trade enhancements (Pictures)

In a high-level panel session during the 6th World Customs Organisation Global Authorized Economic Operators Conference in Shenzhen, China, Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), discussed the potential of Nigeria’s Pilot Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to bolster global border security and sustainable economic development.

Joined by esteemed figures like Sun Yuning of China Customs and Helena Marla of Portugal’s Tax and Customs Authority, Adeniyi expressed eagerness to educate customs officers on implementing the program effectively.

“We started implementing a pilot AEO program a month ago,” Adeniyi remarked, “and we have been inspired by the policy and vision of the new Nigerian government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance economic competitiveness and diversification.”

Highlighting the program’s significance in reducing the time and cost of doing business, Adeniyi stressed the need for stakeholder engagement and addressing implementation challenges.

Ian Sanders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organisation, commended the collaborative efforts of AEO members, citing the conference as a platform for fostering transparent, secure, and resilient trade ecosystems.

He also emphasized the vital role of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in global economic transformation and pledged support for their integration into the AEO program.

In a separate panel discussion on ‘Advancing Women’s Empowerment through AEO Programmes,’ CSC Nnenna Awa, Nigeria Customs Service’s AEO lead, addressed barriers in global trade alongside customs agents and trade experts from China, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic.

See pictures below: