The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has prohibited its officers from engaging in or being involved in clearing and forwarding of goods at ports and border posts.
This decision was one of the outcomes of the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference held in Abuja from November 12 to 15.
Themed “Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose,” the conference was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and aligned with the World Customs Organization’s focus on fostering partnerships to achieve customs goals.
The NCS emphasised that allowing customs officers to engage in clearing and forwarding activities constitutes a conflict of interest, as these commercial ventures clash with their official duties.
The NCS reiterated its commitment to strengthening professionalism within the Service.
“Customs officers must remain impartial and fully dedicated to their regulatory responsibilities. Engaging in commercial activities such as clearing and forwarding compromises the integrity and efficiency of our operations,” a senior Customs officer, who did not want his identity revealed, said.
The CGC conference also addressed other issues critical to enhancing the operational efficiency and welfare of officers.
A ban was placed on commercial activities, including those of Point of Sales (PoS) operators, around customs offices to curtail distractions and unauthorised business dealings.
To improve officer welfare and productivity, the NCS mandated compulsory and routine medical checks for all personnel, signalling a stronger focus on health and well-being.
Outstanding officers will now be rewarded and recognised for their exceptional contributions to the Service, with the aim of motivating and fostering a culture of excellence.
Additionally, the Service announced plans to strengthen camaraderie and morale among officers through the development of inter-zonal games under the supervision of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). This initiative underscores the NCS’s emphasis on teamwork and physical well-being.
On the operational front, the NCS reaffirmed its commitment to modernisation. The transire system—a key tool for monitoring coastal and inland trade—is set to be fully automated by the first quarter of 2025, enhancing transparency and efficiency. The Service also pledged to expand its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Advance Ruling (AR) schemes to boost trade facilitation and predictability for stakeholders.
The resolutions and initiatives outlined at the 2024 CGC Conference reflect the NCS’s determination to align with global best practices and ensure the Service remains a vital player in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.
As the Service implements these reforms, it looks to reinforce its standing as a model customs administration, upholding the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and professionalism.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.