Tag: Adewale Adeniyi

  • Nigerian Importers to Have Access to Cotonou Port for Goods Clearance, Announces Customs Chief

    Nigerian Importers to Have Access to Cotonou Port for Goods Clearance, Announces Customs Chief

    By  Milcah  Tanimu

    In a recent development, the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that Nigerian importers would soon have the opportunity to clear their goods from the ports located in Cotonou, Benin Republic. This announcement came after a productive two-day working visit by the director-general and senior officials of the customs service of Benin Republic to Abuja.

    During the meeting, customs personnel from both nations entered into various agreements aimed at strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and Benin Republic and cracking down on smuggling activities. Adeniyi emphasized the importance of building trust in the systems of both countries, allowing importers to use ports on either side of the border.

    Under this agreement, Nigerian importers interested in utilizing the Cotonou ports will be able to clear their goods there, including paying duties for items subject to duty payment. These duties will be accounted for at the arrival ports, granting importers the freedom to enter Nigeria seamlessly.

    Adeniyi explained that this process would be similar to clearing goods through ports in Lagos or Port Harcourt, though the necessary steps to achieve this goal would need to be worked out. Establishing clear timelines for achieving this milestone was discussed in the meeting’s communique.

    Adeniyi highlighted that this partnership between Nigeria and Benin Republic would significantly enhance customs administration, trade facilitation, and regional cooperation. He described the occasion as a significant milestone in their efforts to promote legitimate trade within the West African region, eliminate trade barriers, and strengthen collaboration.

  • Nigeria Customs Service to Reestablish Relations with Cameroon and Chad

    Nigeria Customs Service to Reestablish Relations with Cameroon and Chad

    By Daniel Edu

    In an announcement made by Adewale Adeniyi, the acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, plans are underway to renew positive diplomatic ties with Cameroon and the southern region of Chad. Adeniyi shared this intention during a meeting in Abuja where he hosted Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.

    Adeniyi emphasized the Customs Service’s commitment to rejuvenating cross-border trade within the northeastern region. He also highlighted the organization’s eagerness to facilitate enhanced trade activities in Nigeria’s northeastern area. Adeniyi stated, “As we move forward, we seek your assistance in engaging with the communities along the Borno border, especially considering the diminished insurgency threat. We will build upon our existing strong relationships and leverage them to reestablish favorable relations with both Cameroon and the southern sector of Chad.”

    The Customs head projected that these efforts would contribute to the economic growth of the region, generating employment opportunities for the local populace.

    Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Borno State Government, particularly in matters of border security and humanitarian support. He also affirmed his unwavering commitment to aiding terrorism victims within the state.

    The Comptroller General pledged his organization’s full support to collaborate with the military in formulating innovative strategies to restore robust cross-border trade networks in the region.

    Governor Zulum lauded Adeniyi’s appointment as the Comptroller-General and extended commendation to the Nigeria Customs Service for its invaluable contributions to uplifting the living standards of displaced communities across Borno and the northeastern region. Zulum acknowledged the Customs Service’s distribution of essential supplies to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, providing relief to those affected by hardship.

    Zulum expressed a keen interest in partnering with the Customs Service to facilitate trans-border trade activities in the North-East, particularly within Borno State. With the gradual return of peace to the region, Zulum affirmed his readiness to collaborate with the Customs Service in facilitating the transportation of goods between Nigeria’s borders and those of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

  • Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NACCIMA Join Hands for Trade Facilitation Workshop

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and NACCIMA Join Hands for Trade Facilitation Workshop

    By Daniel Edu

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to organize a workshop on trade facilitation. The acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this announcement during a meeting with a delegation from NACCIMA, led by the association’s president, Dele Oye, in Abuja.

    Adeniyi expressed his belief that this collaboration would enhance the success of trade facilitation and contribute to a better future for trade in the country. He stated that both parties would jointly organize a sensitization workshop.

    In response, NACCIMA’s president, Dele Oye, congratulated Adewale Adeniyi on his appointment as the acting CGC. He commended Adeniyi’s exceptional leadership in elevating the NCS to higher levels and his effective regulation of trade industries in Nigeria. Oye also emphasized NACCIMA’s commitment to support the service in various aspects, particularly on the issue of the certificate of origin.

    During the meeting, Oye urged Adeniyi to sensitize NCS officers on the new NCS Act, 2023. Adeniyi assured Oye of the NCS’s dedication to involving NACCIMA in relevant matters.

    Separately, Adeniyi also met with representatives from the United Bank for Africa (UBA). During this meeting, the UBA delegation, led by Kayode Fashola, congratulated Adeniyi on his appointment and assured him of the bank’s commitment to strengthen the cordial relationship between UBA and the NCS.

    Adeniyi appreciated the timely visit of the UBA delegation and assured them of the NCS’s commitment to further deepen their partnership.

  • Customs prepares for the implementation of a new Customs Act

    Customs prepares for the implementation of a new Customs Act

    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.