Customs reaffirms commitment to scientifically enhance operations (Pictures)

February 9, 2024

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Customs reaffirms commitment to scientifically enhance operations (Pictures)

The Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated its dedication to boosting Customs operations through the insights gleaned from the World Customs Organisation (WCO) facilitated Time Release Study (TRS) Scoping Mission in Nigeria.

During the launch of the WCO-Assisted TRS Scoping Mission on Thursday, February 8, 2024, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR affirmed the commitment to leveraging the TRS findings.

The event, hosted in Lagos, included key figures such as Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, being represented by Lydia Jafiya, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah, DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Captains of Industries, among other Stakeholders.

CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of TRS as a methodical tool to measure the entire process duration from goods’ arrival at the Customs border to their release.

He said, “The initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimise the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development”.

The CGC was emphatic when he restated the NCS’ commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development.

He said, “The launch of the TRS in Lagos today underscores our commitment to improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. In addition to TRS, the NCS is deploying the AEO program, Advanced Ruling, and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue”.

“These initiatives are supported by the WCO, further emphasizing our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures.” He emphasized.

Launching the TRS, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by the permanent secretary, Lydia Jafiya, noted that the TRS falls aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda, which demonstrates the president’s commitment to unleashing full economic potential to and among other states. Redefining best approaches to create the enabling environment for businesses in addition to providing excellent services for economic operations.

On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, opined that trade facilitation will enhance trade volume and lead to revenue generation.

“I implore you to redouble your efforts in focusing on trade facilitation. This is because when you facilitate trade, you’re enhancing our trade volume and making our nation more competitive, and then we can generate more revenue without increasing our levies”. She said.

See pictures below: