Nigeria, Benin Republic to Promote Trade Liberalisation – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has confirmed discussions with its counterpart in the neighbouring Republic of Benin to enhance trade relations between the two nations.
Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, acting comptroller general of Nigeria Customs, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja during the two-day working visit of Mr. Alain Hinkati, director-general of customs for the Republic of Benin, to Nigeria.
Mr. Adeniyi stated that Mr. Hinkati’s visit bolstered ongoing efforts to improve customs administration, commerce facilitation, and regional cooperation.
According to him, this visit represents a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen collaboration, eliminate barriers, and promote legitimate trade in the West African region.
“I am honoured to highlight some of the remarkable progress we have made since that visit, as well as the commitment to consolidate these achievements even further.
“Regarding the promotion of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, the pertinent department within the NCS has been tasked with analysing the scheme’s current impediments in order to determine viable next steps.
He stated, “Our objective remains unchanged: to stimulate economic growth, promote regional integration, and foster prosperity among our nations.”
The Acting CG stated that, in collaboration with the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had taken significant steps to reduce barriers along trade corridors.
He stated that by addressing these obstacles, the NCS was creating a more favourable environment for the growth of legitimate trade.
“We are in the final stages of integrating our IT systems with the Federal Road Safety to prevent illegal vehicle entry.”
This integration will improve our ability to monitor and regulate cross-border vehicle traffic, he explained.
Mr. Adeniyi stated that efforts have also been made to harmonise the inventory of prohibited items in Nigeria.
According to him, this action not only promotes consistency but also facilitates more streamlined commercial relations with our partners.
He added that the NCS was making rapid progress towards Nigeria’s integration into the Interconnected System for the Management of Goods in Transit (SIGMAT), linking forces with other West African countries.
“This interconnected system promises to further streamline our transit operations and improve regional trade dynamics.”
He stated that the accomplishments were a result of commitment and collaboration with regional partners, but that the journey was far from over.
“We must maintain our commitment and resolve to overcome the obstacles we confront. Mr. Adeniyi stated that as we consolidate these accomplishments, we must also look forward with a sense of urgency.
Mr. Hikanti, the visiting DG of Customs for the Republic of Benin, praised the NCS for its efforts to forge the collaboration.
Mr Hinkati said that his visit to Nigeria had provided the opportunity to deepen the various issues that were raised in June when Adeniyi paid a similar visit to the Republic of Benin.
“We have decided to investigate the opportunities afforded by our mutual advantages.
“We are working towards establishing a Nigerian clearinghouse in the Republic of Benin in order to streamline the importation of goods through our borders,” he said.