The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, emphasizes the effective implementation of the new Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 after conducting necessary public enlightenment. Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, Adeniyi urges officers to familiarize themselves with the Act to ensure its full compliance.
Recognizing the public’s unfamiliarity with the new law and the importance of raising awareness, Adeniyi highlights the need to sensitize and educate the public about the Act’s provisions, procedures, and strict penalties. He emphasizes that ignorance of the law is not a defense and aims to prevent such excuses. The Customs Service plans to conduct comprehensive sensitization campaigns, starting with top management and extending to all sections of the service and the general public. Stakeholders such as importers, manufacturers, customs agents, journalists, and others will also be involved.
Adeniyi acknowledges that the workshop alone cannot cover all aspects of the Act and encourages participants to actively engage and share their insights. Legal officers from the Service’s Legal Department serve as facilitators, enhancing the program’s effectiveness.
