Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, hosted a notable gathering on December 19, 2023, including diplomats from the British High Commission, United States, Germany, representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, and the World Bank. The event, held at the Management Quarters of the Service in Abuja, aimed to recap the NCS’s activities in 2023 and explore innovative strategies for operational enhancement.
Addressing the esteemed diplomats, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the NCS’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements, emphasizing plans for extensive scanner installation, data analytics integration, and fostering open-door policies to enhance stakeholder collaboration and facilitate smoother trade operations in Nigeria.
“With a new government and my assumption of office earlier this year, we have a responsibility to enlighten and engage stakeholders on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023,” noted CGC Adeniyi, stressing the need for extensive sensitization about the Act’s provisions to stakeholders.
He detailed ongoing plans to educate Area Controllers across various formations to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Act, characterizing it as ‘User Friendly’ with provisions favoring trade facilitation in the country.
Underlining the Act’s focus on automation processes, single window utilization, authorized economy operators’ system, Advanced Ruling incorporation, and expanded scanner use, CGC Adeniyi signaled a strategic shift towards modernization within the Customs Service.
Addressing the concerning issue of wildlife smuggling, the CGC reaffirmed his dedication to combat illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria, highlighting the collaborative efforts with stakeholders and stressing the importance of international cooperation in customs activities.
The attending diplomats commended the NCS’s commitment and pledged continued collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.
The dinner served as a platform for constructive dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and representatives of the International Community, and was attended by members of the NCS’s Management Team.
