TUE, JAN 09 2024-theGBJournal|The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed readiness to partner with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariate for enhanced trade facilitation in the African Continent.
The CGC made this known on Monday, 8 January 2024, when he received members of AfCFTA at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
“We are not unmindful of the benefits that trade presents — economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation because Customs trade plays a role in fostering regional and international bonds,” he said.
According to CGC, there is a need for collaboration in the verification of goods origin at the port as NCS has been designated the appropriate authority and also collaborate with other government agencies.
Addressing the CGC earlier, the Secretary-General, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene, congratulated the CGC on his appointment and confirmation — expressing excitement to proffer solutions to the issues bedeviling trade in Africa.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between AfCFTA and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in tackling trade impediments.
He conveyed his excitement about jointly finding solutions to the issues affecting trade in Nigeria, emphasizing that AfCFTA is committed to collaborating with the NCS to enhance trade facilitation not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
Speaking about the potential impact of their collaboration, Mr. Mene expressed optimism that the synergy between AfCFTA and NCS would significantly improve trade and revenue generation in various African countries, including but not limited to Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Kenya. He underscored the strategic role that effective trade facilitation plays in fostering economic growth and development across the region.
AfCFTA, established to promote intra-African trade and economic integration, sees its partnership with NCS as a crucial step towards realizing its objectives.
The collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance the efficiency of cross-border trade.
The Secretary-General’s visit marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to harness the economic potential of the African continent through improved trade practices.
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