Adeniyi Reaffirms AfCFTA Goals in Nigeria's Customs Transformation

...awarded an NIIA fellowship.

Kathy Kyari

The Nigeria Customs Service's evolution, according to Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi, has been to embrace paperless processes, foster trade facilitation, strengthen capabilities for Rules of Origin (ROO), implement Advance Ruling, Authorized Economic Operators (AEO), and engage with the business community. All of these efforts are in harmony with the continent's melody, which is the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the CGC, a Distinguished Lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, gave a lecture entitled "Nigeria's Economic Growth and Development: Reforming and Positioning the Customs Service for the African Continental Free Trade and Other Emerging Challenges."

While the government's primary goal is still to make money, CGC Adeniyi said that the changing environment requires equal consideration.

"Recognizing the multifaceted role of the NCS, it becomes imperative to manage expectations regarding revenue generation. Striking a balance between facilitating trade and meeting revenue targets requires a nuanced approach."

"This involves making informed trade-offs that translate into fostering sustainable economic development, particularly for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs. The NCS must navigate these intricacies adeptly to not only meet fiscal objectives but also contribute significantly to the growth and resilience of Nigeria's economic landscape." He stressed.

The CGC emphasized the need to prioritize Africans in Customs Operations due to insufficient communication channels, leading to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in trade operations.

"A transformative recommendation is to establish regular consultation platforms that prioritize transparent communication channels for constructive feedback from stakeholders."

"This proactive engagement strategy aims to dismantle historical barriers, ensuring that the customs operations are not only efficient but also reflective of the needs and perspectives of the diverse African business community."

Subsequently, Professor Eghosa Osaghae, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, awarded the CGC the Fellowship of the Institute.