The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), has affirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria Export Promotion Commission (NEPC) on initiatives to enhance trade and boost export activities.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, said this during a courtesy visit by management of the commission to the Customs Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
He said the partnership was aimed at leveraging the commission’s expertise and resources to streamline export processes.
The customs boss added that the partnership would further reduce bottlenecks, while creating conducive environment for exporters.
Adeniyi reiterated the importance of redefining exports as a means to increasing the volume of outbound trade.
While commending Nigeria’s efforts in managing trade, he emphasised the need for enhanced support for exports, particularly in the realm of logistics.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his achievements since assuming office in 2023.
She stressed on the importance of advocacy with relevant agencies to tackle challenges faced by exporters.
While calling for collaborative efforts to actualise the “Export 35 redefined” initiative, Ayeni harped on the significance of non-oil exports for economic growth and development,
She added that Nigeria was endowed with agricultural products and solid minerals and as such should leverage on it for national development.
The executive director urged other agencies to actively contribute to minimising logistical challenges faced by exporters in the course of doing business.
She called for the establishment of aggregation centres to facilitate easier exportation.
The commission’s boss said “the meeting with NCS is part of NEPC’s commitment to fostering partnerships with key stakeholders in the trade sector.
“This is to facilitate smoother trade operations and promote economic growth.”
The Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command Lagos, Compt. Ajibola Odusanya, called on the need to repatriate export proceeds.
He said, no formal export was possible without it.
Odusanya said the absence of Nigeria Export Proceeds(NXP) was a major challenge for exporters, adding that it was important in trade facilitation.