Customs, NPA synergise to boost export trade
*As Customs CG pledges to support COWA, set to establish primary, secondary schools nationwide
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have renewed their synergy in order to enhance export trade.
The acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Monday expressed the commitment of the NCS when he received the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammad Bello Koko, and his entourage on a courtesy visit.
The acting CGC, who spoke about some recent developments at Lilypond, told Koko Bello that the two organizations need to synergize to streamline the operations of the nation’s seaports.
“We need to form a joint team that will engage other Government Agencies to refine the activities of exporting goods through the installation of trackers to avoid delays in the diversion of goods – and I want to assure you that the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service will work with you,” Adeniyi said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko, congratulated the acting CGC, and sought his support to upgrade facilities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and decongest Lagos ports.
Bello Koko assured the CGC that once Lagos Ports are decongested, the facilities will attract higher patronage. He also called for synergy among the various Customs Units to enhance speedy passage of cleared consignment at the terminal.
The NPA Boss said, “We thank you so much for supporting the Committee that was set up. Members of this Committee have gone round the country.”
He expressed worries over the congestion at the Port, which, according to him, makes it difficult for the Authority to operate properly.
Meanwhile, the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has received a high-powered delegation of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), led by Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, on a courtesy visit.
COWA is a non-profit organization of Customs’ Wives that specializes in empowering spouses and families of Customs Officers, wives of fallen Customs Officers, and less privileged persons across the federation through various outreach programs.
Addressing the delegation at the CGC’s Conference Room of the Nigeria Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the acting CGC appreciated their visit, “Let me start by saying that we recognized what COWA stands for and as our wives, first and foremost, we know that you all represent love.”
The Customs Boss, who commended the Management Board of COWA for extending humanitarian support to orphanages and vulnerable people, said that “the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service highly recognizes COWA as a veritable partner for development.”
He assured the leadership of the association of the Service’s unflinching support to address their demands within the provisions of the law, emphasizing that the Service already had it on their plate, the plan to establish Primary and Secondary Schools across the federation, to revamp the educational system of their wards and communities.
“I know that Abuja is very strategic, and there are over three thousand Customs Officers working in various Headquarters formations that have families here, and these officers need to educate their children without spending exorbitant fees; thus, we take this matter as a priority.”
CGC Bashir Adeniyi, however, told the entourage that the Service will engage them once the project is initiated, adding that “what we will do is to acquire land within Abuja, and the project is hopefully going to be co-opted in our 2024 budget.”
