By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently participated in the 74th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Harmonised System Committee (HSC) Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, from September 16 to 27, 2024.
Led by Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Hardo, Chief Superintendent of Customs Ekay Asuquo, and CSC Lauretta Utubor, Team Lead for Advance Rulings, the NCS delegation played a crucial role in shaping global trade policies.
The Harmonised System Committee manages the Harmonised System Nomenclature, standardising goods classification and facilitating global trade.
As a Contracting Party, Nigeria’s involvement is vital due to its large African market index and high import volumes.
The committee focuses on tariff classification, ensuring correct categorization under the Harmonised System Nomenclature. CSC Lauretta Utubor, a WCO 88th fellowship program beneficiary, presented at the Leadership Management Development workshop.
She noted essential tools for successful Advance Rulings implementation in Nigeria, including self-awareness, strategic communication, and change management.
Utubor highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices and promoting trade facilitation and customs modernization.
This high-level engagement enhances Nigeria’s decision-making capacity in issuing legally binding advice to economic operators.
The insights gained from the 74th HSC meeting are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s customs processes, reinforcing its leadership in African trade facilitation.