LAGOS, AUGUST 5, 2016 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Beninoire Customs have reviewed progress recorded in implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on interconnectivity and transit facility for prompt access to operations of both countries.This is contained in a communique made available in Lagos on Friday, after a working session between the two Customs administrations in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
The MoU was signed by both countries on July 23, 2015, where they both identified new actions to be taken toward satisfactory implementation of the recommendations from the protocol.
The participants were Charge d’affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Cotonou and experts from both Customs administrations.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Retired Col. Hameed Ali and the Director-General of Customs, Indirect Taxes of the Republic of Benin, Col. Pierre-Claver Tossou, said that the working session, held in Cotonou on Aug. 4, was yielding progress.
According to the communiqué, new actions were identified by both administrations in meeting the objectives for firming of relations between the two countries.
“In addition to the assessment of the implementation of protocols, both parties agreed to commence action on formal interconnectivity project through the setting up an ICT working group.
“It has been resolved at the meeting that we are both setting up a consultation framework that shall be meeting twice in a year to address all emerging issues.
“The two countries have undertaken quarterly evaluation of the implementation of the agreement,’’
It said that both parties had signed an undertaking to comply with the decision taken in implementing the recommendations formulated.
The communiqué said this was with a view to facilitating trade and promoting economic development; for the welfare of the people of both countries.
