Customs to launch Time Release Study (TRS) in February -Adeniyi
Stakeholders in the Nigeria Maritime industry felicitate with Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as Customs marked another historical event -International Customs Day 2024 with the theme ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’
The International Customs Day is observed annually on January 26 to commemorate the founding of World Customs Organisation(WCO) which was formed as intergovernmental body in 1953, with 17 participating member nations.
Formerly known as Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) since 1952 according to research, the founding members established International Customs Day in 1983. WCO today can boast of about 184 members overseeing nearly 98% world trade.
The historical event is often celebrated yearly to appreciate efforts of Customs Officials worldwide and this year’s ceremony held at Customs Training Village Ikeja Lagos was graced by crème de la crème of the industry among whom are Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, HE Adegboyega Oyetola; Managing Director, Nigeria Port Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko; Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA)Dr Bashir Jamoh, Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akuta, Leaders of Nigeria Guild of Editors and Nigeria Union of Journalists.
While speaking on the theme for the day, Mr. Oyetola reiterated the need for Nigeria Customs to integrate sustainability into policies and strategies, bolster investment in Ports, research, technology and foster inclusive alliance among stakeholders and relevant partners.
He emphasized that Nigeria Customs and Stakeholders must work together to ensure the overall success of initiative that will help unlock the immense potentials of collaboration and increase revenue generation.
He also commended the leadership of Customs for abandoning physical examination of cargoes at the Ports and priotising the use of scanners.
“This development would not only increase revenue, it will ensure Port efficiency and competitiveness and will also reduce Cargo turnaround time. It is by committing to cooperation that we can enhance our effectiveness in safeguarding our waterways and facilitating global trade,” he said.
Just as Oyetola enjoined consignees to embrace and patronize various dry Ports spread across the Country and rail transport system, in order to ease the pressure on the nation’s Port Corridor Lagos especially, he condemned the electronic call up system introduced by the Nigeria Port Authority, saying it has been compromised.
“The e- call up system put in place to ensure that trucks don’t come to the port until it is their turn, unfortunately, has been compromised. We don’t keep to routine operations looking to cleanse and making things work as expected. Another thing is the condition of the access roads to the port but I am happy this has been taken up with the Minister of Works and the President has agreed that the access roads are repaired. I believe with that, there will be efficiency in terms of taking the goods out of the port,” he said.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that the agency will be launching a Time Release Study (TRS) in February.
Adeniyi explained that the launching of the study underscores the commitment of NCS to efficiency and transparency in trade facilitation as the study is a comprehensive exercise aimed at optimizing Customs processes and reducing the time it takes for goods to be released.
“This study is a strategic move towards enhancing our operations, and I call upon the cooperation of all our partners, including the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), to actively participate in this endeavor. Your insights and collaboration will be invaluable as we work towards achieving seamless and timely trade processes that benefit us all,” he said
Speaking on the theme for the year, the Nigeria Customs Boss said the theme aligns with its core objectives and 3-point agenda of consolidating, deploying innovative solutions, and collaborating with stakeholders.
He said the agenda has been the guiding framework of the NCS over the past seven months of his administration.
Speaking on existing collaboration with Stakeholders, Adeniyi noted that some of the achievements of the Service arose from collaboration with stakeholders and other government agencies and the Service will remain committed to fostering purposeful engagement with both traditional and new partners with a view to enhancing its operations.
“The recent Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC’s) Conference in December 2023 stands as a testament to the success of this approach, resulting in substantial achievements through in-depth interactions with our valued stakeholders. The Lagos Continental Declaration document was a product of exhaustive consultations with stakeholders. This document is presently undergoing implementation. Initial measures, including the resolution of multiple alerts, reduction of customs checkpoints, and improvement of officer conduct, have been actively undertaken. Additional components of the
declaration will be pursued with thoroughness, and we anticipate completing due diligence by the end of the first quarter of this year,” he said.
Also, Mr Ian Saunders, the Secretary-General, World Customs Organisation, noted that this year, customs would embark on a path that challenges them to both reaffirm their long-standing partnerships, and to boldly forge new alliance.
“The world has changed dramatically over the decade with unprecedented challenges, including rapid technological advances, environmental and health crises, and complex geopolitical and economic dynamics,” Saunders said.
He said the global customs community needs a forward-thing approach supported by stakeholders to tackle these unprecedented challenges.
“The theme for 2024 is a strategic call for action, everyone should broaden their perspectives, think creatively, and embrace innovative approaches,” he said.
Other activities at the event was the WCO Merit Award given to Stakeholders including NPA, NSC, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, DHL, FEDEX, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs among others
