The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its recent reforms and operational advancements, particularly in the area of trade facilitation.
This commendation came on Monday, during a courtesy visit led by NECA President, Dr Ifeanyi Okogwu, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The visit was part of efforts to strengthen collaboration on trade facilitation and support the growth of the private sector in Nigeria.
“We are here today to commend the Service for the impactful initiatives it has rolled out so far. NECA, founded in 1957 to represent the interests of businesses in Nigeria, now has over 4,000 members. We recognise the Nigeria Customs Service as an essential partner in improving the operating environment for businesses,” Okogwu stated during the meeting.
Okogwu highlighted several significant reforms introduced by the Customs Service, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study.
He noted that these initiatives are instrumental in reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing the ease of doing business, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
“These reforms are not just theoretical; they are tangible and directly support Nigerian businesses, especially SMEs. We are eager to continue working with the NCS to ensure that businesses thrive and the national economy flourishes,” he remarked.
In his response, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed his gratitude to the NECA delegation for their recognition of the NCS’s efforts.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to collaborating with the private sector to foster a more inclusive and business-friendly environment.
“I am always pleased to work alongside private enterprises. At the NCS, we recognise that our actions directly impact the business landscape. This is why we place great importance on trade facilitation and regular stakeholder engagement,” CGC Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller-General assured that the NCS will continue to adopt a public-centric approach, focusing on simplifying processes and ensuring compliance while supporting business growth.
“We view ourselves not only as enforcers but also as facilitators. We are dedicated to walking alongside businesses every step of the way, creating a better ecosystem for them to thrive. Continuous dialogue, such as today’s, is key to driving meaningful progress,” he concluded.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment to further enhance collaboration, highlighting the pivotal role of the NCS in fostering business partnerships that contribute to national economic development goals.
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