By Innocent Orok
As the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) begins the implementation of the Time Release Studies as affirmed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale during the 2023 , CGC conference in Lagos, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has congratulated, Comptroller Dera Nnadi of the Tin Can Island Customs Command for his appointment as the Chairman, Customs Service Trade Facilitation / Time Release Studies Committee.
In a congratulatory message from a press statement sent to our Correspondent, Fwdr. Eugene Nweke Rff. Secretary, Customs Consultative Committee, it reads ;
“Dear Comptroller Nnadi ,
your appointment as the Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service – Trade Facilitation/ Time Release Study Implementation Committee is purely on your merit, especially so, having being a pioneer member of the trade tool domestication, development and experiments team on the “Time Release Study (TRS )” years back.
“For a mention, it is on record that you actively representative the Service and contributed positively during the port reforms program of the government, culminating to the ports concessions process in 2005 to 2006, then as the Public Relation Officer of NCS Apapa Command. Notably, the process coincided with the migration from NCS Automated System for Customs Data ASYCUDA to ASYCUDA 2.7 Site and later to ASUCUDA ++, which serves as the precursor of NICIS.
“Additionally, not loosing sight of your inroles in the Committee that midwifed the NCS migration from manual to e-Payment with Apapa Command and Ecobank as pilot. And as an alumni of the prestigious School Of Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos/Plateau State.
“It is based on these tall professional background on general Customs administration and practical experience on the subject of international trade facilitation and relevant applicable trade tools, that, the Customs Consultative Committee has no iota of doubts on your capacity to deliver on this peculiar vision and mandate of the Comptroller General Of Customs and his management team, in line with the renewed hope mantra of the present administration, ably lead by His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Wherefore, this rare appointment is essentially crucial to both the trading public, aside from bringing the Comptroller General of Customs and his management team vision to the fore, especially on the most and widely canvassed subject, the TRADE FACILITATION Functions of the Nigeria Customs Service, it is indeed a critical task that must be discharged honorably, passionately, professionally and with utmost commitment for the common good of Nigerians in general, and in particular the trading public ( that is the port users and consumers of the port goods & services).
At this juncture, the Customs Consultative Committee wishes to posit here that, without doubt, trade facilitation is a critical core functions of the NCS, and most desirable in the present imports and exports clearance activities across the international frontiers and the inherent value adding supply chain.
“In the light of this, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), appreciate and understand that, the Customs and regulations play a crucial role in the nation’s economy, especially in the transportation and logistics industry, and as such, urges you and your committee members not to lose sight at the peculiar functions in relation to:
✓ Compliance with international standards with regards to the business implications for trade facilitation and liberalisation, as enshrinedin the WCO/WTO/UNCTAD recommendations.
✓ Maintaining the security, safety & fluidity of the trade and upholding the model of port value adding supply chain and gamut of the maritime industry.
✓ Prompt legitimate trade facilitation, so as to reducing administrative burdens on businesses.
✓ Firm regulatory essence and strategic collaboration, as businesses and consumers benefit from customs regulatory overtures, via safeguarding businesses interests (in lieu of intellectual property rights – IPR).
✓ Non compromising the revenue, safety and quality of products being transported across international frontiers.
✓ Deployment of data analytics for national statistics, planning, forecasting and effective administrative goals.
” It is on this note that, the Customs Consultative Committee ( CCC) deems it necessary to beckon on Business interests/the trading public and relevant agencies to understand the need for prompt collaborations and compliance with the Customs trade laws and regulations in other to ensure the legal, smooth flow and efficient movement of goods during clearance processes.
“The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), shall continue to upholds to the prism that, under legitimate trade facilitation rules, business interests must embrace all trade facilitation tools with sense of equity. It is also important to state that, protection of National interests are not a mere special treatment , rather in the context of trade facilitation, it could be seen as a deferential and fair treatment for our peculiarities, especially so, as a country with differential capabilities and needs.
“In Conclusion, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) once again congratulate you and your committee members and pray for God guidance in the discharge of your briefs in this regards,” the statement concludes.
