In a bid to bolster trade and elevate export endeavors, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has declared its commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Export Promotion Commission (NEPC) on collaborative initiatives.

During a courtesy visit by the NEPC Management team to the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 19th March 2024, Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed this readiness.

“Collaborating with the NEPC will significantly aim at leveraging the Commission’s expertise and resources to streamline export processes further, reduce bottlenecks, and create a conducive environment for exporters,” stated CGC Adeniyi.

In a subsequent joint meeting held at the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on the same day, the Comptroller-General stressed the necessity of redefining exports to elevate the volume of outbound trade. He highlighted the crucial role of logistics in supporting export activities.

Responding to this initiative, Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director CEO of the NEPC, lauded CGC Adeniyi’s commendable achievements since his assumption of office in 2023. She underscored Nigeria’s vast resources, particularly agricultural products and solid minerals, urging collaboration among agencies to alleviate export challenges.

Ayeni emphasized the pivotal role of non-oil exports in driving economic growth, advocating for collaborative efforts to realize the “Export 35 redefined” initiative. She urged sister agencies to actively contribute to mitigating logistical hurdles faced by exporters, proposing the establishment of aggregation centers for smoother export processes.

Highlighting a crucial aspect of export procedures, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, Customs Area Controller Lilypond Export Command Lagos, emphasized the necessity of Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) to repatriate export proceeds. He noted that no formal export can occur without NXP, identifying its absence as a significant challenge for exporters.

The meeting between the NCS and NEPC underscores the commitment of both agencies to foster partnerships with key stakeholders in the trade sector, facilitating seamless trade operations and promoting economic growth.