By Obiabin Onukwugha
Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has revealed plans to boost maritime trade using modern technology in the country.
Adeniyi said this will be achieved through massive installation of scanners at the various ports across the country, implementation of data analytics, and embracing open-door policies and collaborating with stakeholders
Adeniyi disclosed this when he played host to some diplomats, including the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassadors of the United States and Germany, and representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, as well as the World Bank to a dinner in Abuja, recently.
Addressing the diplomats, Adeniyi emphasised his commitment to leverage new technological advancements in boosting maritime trade in the country.
He said, “Now that we have a new government and I took over in the middle of this year, we have a lot of explanations to make to all these stakeholders. We have a responsibility to carry out massive sensitisation of awareness on the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”
He further disclosed ongoing plans to engage Area Controllers from different formations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Act to enhance their work.
The Customs boss highlighted the Act’s focus on deploying automation processes, the use of a single window and authorised economy operators’ system, incorporating Advanced Ruling, and expanding the use of scanners, signalling a move towards modernisation.
Addressing the issue of wildlife smuggling, Adeniyi assured the diplomats of his commitment to sustain the battle of illicit wildlife trade in Nigeria.
He also noted the importance of international cooperation in customs activities.
In their separate responses, the diplomats praised the NCS’s dedication and pledged continued collaboration to combat wildlife trafficking and related criminal activities.