Bashir Adeniyi, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, recently held a crucial meeting with the Directors of both the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA). The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss and collaboratively address the current state of trade in Nigeria, aiming to bring about significant improvements in the operations of the country’s Free Trade Zones.
During the meeting, the Acting CG expressed his gratitude to the NEPZA and OGFZA Directors for visiting the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters to congratulate him on his appointment. The discussion primarily revolved around reviewing mutual concerns about the future of trade in the country.
The Acting CG assured the NEPZA and OGFZA leaders that the Nigeria Customs Service, being a crucial element of the Free Zone Scheme, is committed to adhering to standard trade facilitation policies. This commitment aims to create a seamless and favorable environment for businesspeople interested in investing in Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones.
The Acting CG emphasized the need for cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the two organizations. He proposed the establishment of a joint committee, involving relevant stakeholders, to address common concerns and challenges.
The Director of NEPZA, Prof. Adesoji Adesoba, expressed his delight with the Acting CG’s approach during the meeting. He conveyed his readiness to work diligently towards the shared goal of enhancing the Free Trade Zones.
In a separate interview, the Managing Director of OGFZA, Senator Tijjani Yahya Kaura, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Free Trade Zones and the Nigeria Customs Service. He expressed satisfaction with the fruitful nature of the meeting and the Acting CG’s genuine commitment to finding solutions to their common issues.
Both organizations strongly believed that their collaboration could be a “win-win” situation, significantly altering the narrative of Free Trade Zones in Nigeria and attracting more investors to the country’s shores. The joint efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, NEPZA, and OGFZA are expected to contribute to the overall improvement and growth of trade within the country’s Free Trade Zones.
