THE Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, says that the NCS is playing a role in the economic diversification agenda of the federal government.

Speaking at the OpenLife Annual Summit on Thursday, August, 22, 2024 to discuss the creation of enabling environment for economic growth through strategic tackling of insecurity, Adeniyi said that between January and July 2024, the NCS achieved a total collection of ₦2.74 trillion, which is 127 % higher than the ₦1.395 trillion collected within the first seven months of 2023.

Represented by Babatunde Olomu, Apapa Area Commander of the NCS, Adeniyi said that the NCS had been at the forefront of promoting economic growth and combating insecurity in the country.

He disclosed that under his leadership, the NCS has implemented various initiatives aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, suppressing smuggling and contributing to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

On the issue of trade facilitation, he stated that the NCS has implemented measures like Time Release Study, Advance Ruling, Dispute Resolution Committee, 24-hour Port Operations and Authorized Economic Operator, AEO, to streamline import and export processes.

“For economic growth, we have devised a working system that ensures quicker processing of import and export through a World Customs Organization programmes like Time Release Study, TRS, Advanced Ruling, Dispute Resolution Committee, 24hrs Port Operations, and Authorized Economic Operator, AEO,” he said

On the strategic tackling of insecurity, he disclosed that the NCS has boosted security using modern technology.

According to him, the NCS has adopted Non-Intrusive Inspection, NII, technology to enhance security and prevent smuggling.

“This advanced x-ray method, screens imported and exported goods without disrupting their integrity, detecting hidden items and concealment.

“As part of our modernization agenda, we have adopted Non-Intrusive Inspection. This is an x-ray modern method used in customs operations to screen imported and exported goods without disrupting their integrity. This advanced technology to detect hidden items in goods, without the need to physically examine them,” he said.

The Comptroller, while admitting the porous borders pose a significant threat to national security and revenue collection, he stated that the NCS has intensified its fight against smuggling, particularly of petroleum products, through land and maritime borders.

In addition, the NCS has engaged in joint operations with military and paramilitary services, including Border Drill and Operation Whirlwind, to tackle insecurity.

Adeniyi praised the support of patriotic members of the customs community relations committees, comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders, trade organizations, and the youth.

In conclusion, he emphasized that the creation of an enabling environment for economic growth through strategic tackling of insecurity rests more on all encompassing compliance.

“Criminal elements, who attempt undermining the nation’s economy and security are daily being prevented by security agencies, including the NCS. An enabling environment that will battle insecurity requires the input and support of all. Whenever we talk about compliance, we are sending a message that requires the cooperation of all citizens at all times irrespective of the message that requires the cooperation of all citizens at all times irrespective of their roles either as security agents, private business stakeholders or citizens,” he added.

Photo Caption: Babatunde Olomu, Apapa Area Commander of the NCS,

23rd August, 2024.

Culled from Real News