The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed his strong commitment to collaborate with stakeholders, terminal operators, and port authorities in order to foster economic development. This declaration was made during his official visit to the Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Acknowledging the crucial role played by Customs Agents and importers in port administration, he emphasized the significance of establishing an effective platform for addressing and resolving various issues.
He said, “Customs Agents, importers play a very important role in the administration of the port and this is why we believe that we must regularly, periodically create a platform for engagement on issues”.
“This is going to be the feature of our relationship with not just the Customs Agents but all our stakeholders, we believe in partnership and we believe that we can use innovation to drive the kind of change that we want to see.”
Dr. Kayode Farinto, representing various stakeholders, acknowledged numerous challenges but expressed their unwavering support to attain success.
At the Lilypond export Command, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) and his team were warmly welcomed by Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller.
He praised the idea of setting up export processing terminals, emphasizing that it serves not only as a means to alleviate port congestion but also offers various other significant advantages.
“I, therefore, commend the initiative of establishing very dedicated terminals to take care of exports, for us to boost our local production and earn foreign exchange”, he said.
He urged exporters and other agencies of government to continue to partner with Customs to ease the export process to ensure that they get value for the money invested in the business.
“It is a good step in the right direction. I’ve had several discussions with the Customs Area Controller on what you can do, how we can fine-tune the process to ensure that our exporters get real value for the money they have invested in their businesses”, he said.
“I believe that we will be able to reignite the interest of Nigerians about the potentials that exist so that instead of having so many people looking for white collar jobs that are not there, they could be gainfully engaged in this kind of ventures that will bring food to their table and prosperity in Nigeria”, he added.
Likewise, on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, the Customs Boss engaged in a breakfast meeting alongside delegates from shipping companies and terminal operators. During the gathering, he underscored the significance of these arrangements as a platform to address matters of utmost importance.
He said “I believe in the power of consultation and collaboration with our stakeholders. Each time we need to discuss any issue, I will expect one or two members to flag it and we will be willing to set up this kind of meeting.”
The Acting CGC also conveyed a strong willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders in order to address matters of shared interest in a way that benefits everyone involved.