Customs, NPA partner to enhance trade facilitation

Customs, NPA partner to enhance trade facilitation
Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed commitment to enhance the output of designated export processing terminals.
The Customs Boss made this revelation on Monday, August 28, 2023 in his office, when he received the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko and his entourage on a courtesy visit.
Adeniyi, who spoke about some recent developments at Lilypond, told Koko that the two organisations need to synergise to streamline the operations of the nation’s seaports.
“We need to form a joint team that will engage other Government Agencies to refine the activities of exporting goods through the installation of trackers to avoid delays in the diversion of goods – and I want to assure you that the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service will work with you,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko, commended the Customs helmsman and sought his support and cooperation to upgrade facilities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and decongest the Lagos Ports.
Koko, who assured the CGC that once Lagos Ports are decongested, the facilities will attract higher patronage, also urged stronger synergy among the various Customs Units to enhance speedy passage of cleared consignments at the terminal.
Insisting that congestion at the Port makes it difficult for the NPA to operate optimally, he said: “We thank you so much for supporting the Committee that was set up. Members of the committee have gone round the country.”