NCS hosts WCO, JICA workshop on rules of origin (Pictures)

December 4, 2024

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NCS hosts WCO, JICA workshop on rules of origin (Pictures)

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched a five-day workshop focused on enhancing the capacity of Customs officers across Africa in the application of rules of origin.

The workshop, which began on Thursday, 28 November 2024, aims to strengthen intra-African trade and ensure effective implementation of trade agreements.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, underscored the importance of the collaboration between the European Union and WCO. She noted that the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme was specifically designed to support African Customs administrations in applying rules of origin, a critical element for trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

DCG Niagwan explained, “The European Union and the World Customs Organisation signed a partnership agreement for a comprehensive programme that would foster the full implementation and application of the rules of origin in Africa. This programme enhances the capacity of Africa and supports the implementation of rules of origin to boost intra-African trade. That is the whole rationale.”

Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator with the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, reiterated the significance of the initiative in equipping African nations with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of international trade.

She highlighted the participation of representatives from nearly 26 countries and emphasised the importance of adapting to modern technicalities in the application of rules of origin. “The programme is designed to build capacity for African Customs officers. Rules of origin are crucial for trade facilitation, and I encourage participants to pay close attention to the technical aspects being taught,” Mathenge said.

She also applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his commitment to capacity building within the NCS. “I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which forms the foundation for implementing procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance,” she added.

The workshop served as a platform to reinforce the role of Customs officers in fostering intra-African trade, highlighting the necessity of continuous training and collaboration. It underscored the importance of the rules of origin in ensuring seamless trade integration across African countries under agreements like AfCFTA.

See pictures below: