The Nigeria Customs Service has expressed readiness to partner Nigeria Export Promotion Commission (NEPC) to enhance trade and boost export activities.
Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement on Tuesday, March 19 2024 when the Management team of the Agency paid a courtesy visit to the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
In its address, CGC Adeniyi said the essence of the partnership among other things, is to reduce bottlenecks and create a conducive environment for exporters.
“Collaborating with the NEPC is significantly aim at leveraging the Commission’s expertise and resources to streamline export processes further, reduce bottlenecks, and create a conducive environment for exporters.”
During a joint meeting held on the same day at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja,the Comptroller-General reiterated the importance of redefining exports as a means to increase the volume of outbound trade.
He commended Nigeria’s efforts in managing trade but emphasised the need for enhanced support for exports, particularly in the realm of logistics.
Responding,the NEPC
Executive Director and CEO, Nonye Ayeni, lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs for his remarkable achievements since he assumed office in 2023.
She highlighted the abundance of resources in Nigeria, especially agricultural products and solid minerals and stressed the importance of advocacy with relevant agencies to alleviate the challenges faced by exporters.
Ayeni also emphasised the significance of non-oil exports for economic growth and development, calling for collaborative efforts to actualise the “Export 35 redefined” initiative.
She however urged sister agencies to actively contribute to minimising logistical challenges exporters face and advocated establishing aggregation centres to facilitate easier exportation.
According to her, the meeting with NCS is part of NEPC’s commitment to fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in the trade sector to facilitate smoother trade operations and promote economic growth.
Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller Lilypond Export Command Lagos, highlighted the necessity of NXP (Nigeria Export Proceeds) to repatriate export proceeds and emphasised that no formal export can be done without it.
He identified the absence of NXP as a significant challenge for exporters and stressed its importance in facilitating trade.