Trade facilitation : CGC Adeniyi moving on a fast lane ….Collaborates with WCO to launch time release study

Trade facilitation :
CGC Adeniyi moving on a fast track
….Collaborates with WCO to launch time release study

To say that the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, is moving on a very fast lane on trade facilitation in the maritime sector is simply stating the obvious.

Certainly, the Customs Boss is bringing fresh impetus and modern techniques to bear in trade facilitation in line with global best practice, aligning his agenda of consolidation, innovation and collaboration with the renewed hope initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to rejuvenate the nation’s economy for greater productivity.

That was exactly what played out on Thursday, February 8, 2024, during the launching ceremony of World Customs Organisation, WCO-Assisted Time Release Study, TRS, Scoping Mission for Nigeria.

CGC Adeniyi demonstrated to the whole world that Nigeria Customs has what it takes to promote trade in line with the global trend, restating his commitment to improve Customs operations based on scientific studies.

The event, held in Lagos, had in attendance the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafiya, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, Captains of Industries, among other Stakeholders.

In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi explained that the TRS method is a systematic and standardised approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at Customs border until their release.

His assertion; “The initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimise trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour
aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practice and contributing substantially to national development”.

The CGC was emphatic when he restated Customs commitment to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth, as well as national development.

He went on;  “The launch of TRS in Lagos underscores our commitment to improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. In addition to TRS, the Service is deploying the AEO programme, Advanced Ruling and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue.

“These initiatives are supported by  WCO, further emphasising our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures”.

Launching the TRS, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, represented by the permanent secretary, Lydia Jafiya, noted that TRS aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda, which demonstrates the president’s commitment to unleashing full economic potential among other states; redefining best approaches to create enabling environment for businesses in addition to providing excellent services for economic operations.

On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that trade facilitation will enhance trade volume and lead to more revenue generation.

“I implore you to redouble your efforts in focusing on trade facilitation. This is because when you facilitate trade, you’re enhancing our trade volume and making our nation more competitive. We can generate more revenue without increasing our levies”. She said.