…As NCS rewards Compliant stakeholders
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Comptroller General of Customs CGC Adewale Adeniyi has called for robust support from all Stakeholders including Other Government Agencies (OGA) and development partners to maximize the full prospects of Authorized Economic Operator programme.
Adeniyi made the call at the commencement of administration of reward for the first set of AEO program’s beneficiaries on 2nd September 2024.
In a statement signed by the Service’s Spokesman, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the Customs Boss emphasized that Collaboration is key to enhance success of the pilot program, which promises to significantly streamline trade processes and elevate Nigeria’s status in the global trade world.
According to the statement, the AEO tool, introduced by Customs management to enhance the ease of doing business for compliant stakeholders, is being implemented under the guidance of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which has played a pivotal role by providing experts for capacity development, training, and supplying essential materials.
“Beneficiaries of the Pilot test include-approved importers, Exporters, SMEs, Customs Licensed Brokers and Logistics Operators, whom were carefully chosen based on their outstanding compliance within the supply chain, following an exhaustive three-month AEO validation process designed to uphold the highest selection standards.
“The landmark initiative introduces new standards in line with global best practices, aiming to enhance trade facilitation, ameliorate existing difficulties within the supply chain and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global trading community. These benefits will be administered continuously, contingent on the compliance of all selected participants with the programme’s provisions.
“Similarly, key partners such as the World Bank‘s Accelerating Revenue Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) and various Customs administrations across the globe with emphasis on His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) where benchmarking exercises were conducted, have significantly contributed to the success of this AEO initiative.
“As part of the programme, consignments belonging to the selected Authorized Economic Operators will receive preferential treatment, including Automatic PAAR Registration, Direct Green Lane Routing, Dedicated Relationship Manager, and AEO Branding. Upon the successful completion of the pilot phase and verification of ongoing compliance with all established provisions, participants will be awarded certificates formally recognizing their status as Authorized Economic Operators. Furthermore, this pilot phase will be operational across all ports, where valuable insights and learnings will be gathered to enhance service delivery.
“The NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to promoting transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business. The Service readily anticipates full-scale implementation of the AEO programme, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a seamless and secure trading environment for all Nigerians. The successful implementation of this pilot phase represents a key milestone in the Service’s pursuit of aligning with best practices towards efficient service delivery,” ” the statement read.
