Customs’ role in developing agriculture: …Professor Eze to speak on Customs’ role at ITMT conference
Customs’ role in developing agriculture:
.Professor Eze to speak on Customs’ role at ITMT conference
By Udeme Clement
The Institute of Transport and Management Technology, ITMT, has concluded plans to hold a national conference with the theme, ‘A Day with Nigeria Customs Service for Appraisal, Appreciation and further projection’, to examine the role of Customs in developing agriculture in Nigeria.
The Rector of the Institute, Dr. Chibor Lilian, made this known in a press statement, explaining that the Institute after thorough research about Customs deemed it fit to identify with the Service, as a performing agency that has contributed immensely to national development.
The Rector said, “Customs plays a major role in promoting our local products through zero tolerance to smuggling, as well as enforcement of import and export policies without compromise.
“In recent time, especially in this administration with Ali Hameed as the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC, the Federal Government has taken bold steps with new import policies to boost the growth of agriculture. For instance, the ban on rice importation through land borders and other products has brought increased productivity in agricultural sector.
“Farmers have been empowered to grow rice locally, in order to meet up with consumption demand in the country. The focus on agriculture development has created more employment opportunities while boosting the nation’s economy at the same time”.
The Rector stressed, “The major objectives of the conference are to sensitise all stakeholders and participants on the role of Customs in the Nation’s economy, to engage in sound intellectual discussion on the correlation between Customs and agriculture development. It would equally recognise the conscious effort of the Service in economic growth.
“The forum would serve as a platform to connect and network with top professional organisations, thereby fostering working synergy for greater economic development. The Post Conference Objective is to further project the image and Integrity of the Service globally in conjunction with our numerous Media Partners.”
“The conference, conceptualised by the Institute is slated for October 4, 2018, at Lagos Airport Hotel, by 10:00am prompt.
“The Institute also engages in training of high and middle-level manpower in both Aviation and Maritime industries of the economy. The Institute was approved by the Lagos State Government, Federal Ministry of Education in 1988 and Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation in 1986. ITMT is recognised as the training center of Aviation Management of Nigeria and Nigeria Institute of Shipping. The institute was also approved by National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, in 2017 to award National Diploma. As we speak, the Institute is enlisted in JAMB brochure”.
In the same vein, the act establishing the Institute enables it to conduct feasibility studies with related agencies and to organise seminars, conferences, as well as symposium.