The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, received a delegation from the National Trade Facilitation Committee at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Chairman SA Audi expressed their congratulations to the CGC on his appointment as the Comptroller-General of Customs and also conveyed their interest in partnering to achieve the shared goal of facilitating trade. He commended the CGC’s vast experience, expertise, and leadership qualities, expressing confidence that under his guidance, the organization would reach new heights.
The primary reason for their visit was to seek Customs’ collaboration in developing and implementing policies aimed at simplifying the clearance and swift release of goods for import and export, particularly for compliant traders. The Chairman emphasized their willingness to play essential roles in fulfilling the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service and stressed the importance of continued collaboration to enhance trade facilitation in the country.
Mr. Audi also informed the Acting CGC about the committee’s efforts in drafting a trade facilitation roadmap document, which would guide the implementation of relevant policies and initiatives.
The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, expressed gratitude to Chairman SA Audi and his team for their visit, which aimed to strengthen the cordial relationship between the National Trade Facilitation Committee and the Nigeria Customs Service. He pledged the Customs’ full commitment and support and stated that he had been engaging in extensive consultations with stakeholders as a top priority.
Assuring the committee of his willingness to address their challenges, the CGC assured them that the Nigeria Customs Service would be receptive to their suggestions. He promised to provide the necessary assistance and announced that upon relocating to their new headquarters, a dedicated space would be allocated for the committee.
The National Trade Facilitation Committee consisted of representatives from various organizations, including Customs, NAFDAC, Police, NDLEA, Ministry of Transport, FIRS, SON, CBN, NNPC, NASEMA, NACCIMA, among others, indicating the broad scope of their involvement in trade facilitation initiatives in Nigeria.
