Customs launches WCO Led PCA, AEO Diagnostic Mission to enhance trade facilitation
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, announced on Monday, 29 January 2024, the implementation of robust risk management strategies aimed at enhancing the integrity of Customs processes and mitigating risks.
In a two-week retreat at the Wells Carlton Hotel Conference Room in Abuja, the CGC inaugurated the World Customs Organisation (WCO) led Post Clearance Audit (PCA) & Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Diagnostic Mission for Senior NCS Officers.
He emphasized that these measures would significantly improve supply chain efficiency and streamline meticulous post-clearance audits.
Highlighting the objective to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, Adeniyi expressed the commitment to enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to qualify for AEO status through tailored training, support, and incentives.
He underscored the initiative’s role in inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, ensuring broad societal benefits from trade facilitation and economic development opportunities.
“The initiative also focuses on evaluating entry barriers for SMEs, addressing them systematically”.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of the mission in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria’s strategic position in the global trade framework.
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Emphasizing AfCFTA as a beacon for regional integration and economic progress in Africa, the CGC highlighted the essential role of PCA and AEO in its successful implementation.
Regionally, these initiatives aim to nurture trade facilitation and economic progress by refining customs procedures, fortifying compliance mechanisms, and promoting transparency.
Adeniyi extended gratitude to the World Customs Organisation, commending the dedication and expertise of stakeholders, including WCO-led PCA, IMF, World Bank, and AEO Diagnostic Mission.
During the welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) Abdullahi Musa, in charge of Tariff and Trade, emphasized Nigeria’s role as a hub for trade and investment.
He urged officers to embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in customs practices.
DCG Musa highlighted the mission’s goal to enhance compliance mechanisms, foster trade facilitation, and contribute to the broader objectives of the World Customs Organisation in promoting border security and sustainable global economic development.
Musa thanked the World Bank Group experts and the International Monetary Fund for their support and partnership, commending the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders involved in the mission.
The opening ceremony marked the commencement of a two-week program organised by the Nigeria Customs Service to accelerate trade facilitation.
