The Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi, has revealed ambitious plans for the extensive deployment of scanners at the nation’s seaports, aiming to streamline trade processes and bolster efficiency.
Adeniyi disclosed this strategic initiative during a dinner event held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, where diplomats, including the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, ambassadors of the United States of America and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes and the World Bank, were in attendance.
Emphasizing the NCS’s commitment to embracing technological advancements, Adeniyi stated, “Now that we have a new government, we have a lot of explanations to make to all the stakeholders. We have a responsibility to carry out massive sensitisation on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”
The Customs boss highlighted key features of the new act, emphasizing automation processes, the adoption of a single window, and the authorised economy operators’ system. The plan also includes the implementation of advanced ruling mechanisms and a significant expansion in the utilization of scanners, signifying a bold step toward modernization in customs operations.
Addressing concerns related to wildlife smuggling, Adeniyi assured diplomats of the NCS’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts and international cooperation in customs activities.
In response, the diplomats commended the dedication of the NCS and pledged enhanced collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and other associated criminal activities. The dinner served as a crucial platform for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and representatives of the international community.
