Customs CGC collaborates with stakeholders in constructive roundtable discussion
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, convened a fruitful roundtable dialogue with maritime and excise stakeholders to address challenges in clearance processes at ports nationwide.
The meeting took place in Lagos on Friday, 15th December 2023, as part of the CGC’s 2023 Conference. Attendees included senior serving and retired Customs Officers, Terminal Operators, Freight Forwarders, Licensed Customs Agents, and Representatives of Excise Stakeholders, among others, establishing a platform for meaningful interaction and identifying strategies for improved Customs operations.
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CGC Adewale Adeniyi clarified that concerns such as multiple alerts, frequent downtime of CPC, numerous checkpoints, and difficulty accessing ports have been identified, with a focus on developing actionable solutions in collaboration with key stakeholders.
“The main issues hindering cargo clearance have been openly discussed and will be addressed through collaborative efforts to create a path forward,” he emphasized.
A panel comprising representatives of stakeholders and the Nigeria Customs Service was formed to address the challenges and generate practical recommendations, which are slated for implementation by the 1st quarter of 2024.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, part of the panel, urged port users and stakeholders to leverage weekend operations and barge usage to optimise processes.
Stakeholders expressed appreciation to the CGC for reinstating the Services’ Annual Conference, reaffirming their commitment to collaborating with Customs.
Tochukwu Ezeisi, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), voiced satisfaction, stating, “For the first time in years, freight forwarders are pleased because our concerns are being addressed promptly.”
Alhaji Kazeem Isa Adua, Deputy President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), commended the CGC’s efforts and expressed optimism for smoother clearance processes in the near future.
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