The Nigeria Customs Service says it is deploying 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports and border stations to improve cargo clearance and facilitate trade.
NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday after a quarterly engagement with American business organisations. The meeting involved the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, its US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC) and the American Business Council (ABC).
Customs’s comptroller-general, Bashir Adeniyi, said the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. Mr Adeniyi reaffirmed the service’s commitment to institutional reforms and digital transformation.
“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent and responsive customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” he said.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, address emerging concerns and strengthen partnerships with American businesses operating in Nigeria.
Mr Adeniyi said predictable customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution were essential to improving the business environment. He added that these measures would enhance investor confidence and support businesses seeking investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Oluyomi Adebakin, the deputy comptroller-general in charge of ICT and modernisation, highlighted efforts to automate licence and permit applications to improve efficiency. Mr Adebakin said the service was deploying 22 additional scanners and introducing digital platforms to streamline operations nationwide.
He added that the NCS was transitioning towards paperless administrative processes to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
Mr Adebakin urged businesses to provide feedback on operational challenges to help the service identify gaps and improve its procedures.
Kendra Gaither, USAfBC’s president, acknowledged the service’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. Ms Gaither said effective customs operations were critical to advancing investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and the digital economy.
She also expressed appreciation for continued collaboration between the NCS and the American business community.
Margaret Olele, American Business Council Nigeria’s CEO, commended NCS’s progress in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement.
Ms Olele congratulated the NCS on emerging as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council Compliance Assessment. She also acknowledged improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution mechanisms.
She added that quarterly engagements between the service and businesses had helped resolve longstanding challenges affecting commercial operations.
(NAN)
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