By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi MFR, hosted a prestigious gathering at the Management Quarters in Abuja on Tuesday, marking the culmination of 2023.
Among the distinguished guests were the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassadors of the United States and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as the World Bank.
The event focused on reflecting on the Customs Service’s activities throughout the year, paving the way for discussions on innovative strategies to enhance efficiency.
In his address to the diplomats, CGC Adeniyi showed the NCS’s commitment to harnessing new technological advancements.
He unveiled plans for the extensive deployment of scanners, the implementation of data analytics, and the adoption of open-door policies to foster collaboration with stakeholders, ultimately streamlining trade in the nation.
Highlighting the responsibility to elucidate the new developments to stakeholders, CGC Adeniyi expressed the need for massive sensitization on the recently enacted Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He emphasised ongoing initiatives to engage Area Controllers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Act to augment their operational effectiveness, and characterising the new Act as ‘User Friendly.’
Moreover, the Customs Chief delineated the Act’s emphasis on automation processes, including the use of a single window and the authorized economy operators’ system.
He discussed the incorporation of Advanced Ruling and the expansion of scanner usage, signaling a progressive move towards modernization.
Addressing the issue of wildlife smuggling, CGC Adeniyi reassured diplomats of his commitment to sustaining efforts against illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of international cooperation in customs activities and highlighted collaborative efforts with stakeholders.
The diplomats commended the NCS’s dedication and pledged ongoing collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.