By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is intensifying its collaboration with the Republic of Benin Customs Administration to boost trade activities between the two nations.
A high-level delegation led by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, met with the Director-General of the Customs Administration of Benin Republic on Thursday, 11 April 2024.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss strategies to amplify trade activities and implement previously agreed-upon recommendations from their earlier meeting in Cotonou.
The CGC was quoted as saying, “We are cognizant of the established framework for cooperation between our respective customs administrations. This framework was established at a higher level by the authorities of the heads of State, President Patrice Talon of Benin and His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, both expressing a desire to work together.”
Mrs Adidjatou Hassan Zanouvi, the Director-General of Benin Customs Administration, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed their commitment to executing the agreed-upon measures.
She stated the importance of thorough monitoring for effective implementation.
The collaboration between the two customs administrations aims to facilitate seamless trade operations and the efficient management of cross-border activities for mutual benefit.
During the visit, the CGC also inspected ongoing projects within the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command.
Accompanied by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, he assessed the progress of the projects and received assurances of diligent oversight from the responsible authorities.