The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing impactful policy reforms and operational improvements under the current administration.
NECA President, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on April 7, 2025, to strengthen collaboration on trade facilitation and private sector development.
Key Reforms Commended:
Advance Ruling System: Enables businesses to obtain advance rulings on tariff classification, reducing uncertainty and disputes.
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme: Recognizes trusted traders and provides benefits such as faster clearance times and reduced inspections.
Time Release Study: Measures the time taken for cargo clearance, helping to identify areas for improvement.
NECA’s Stance:
“We commend the Service for your impactful initiatives… These reforms are not just policies on paper; they are impactful initiatives directly supporting Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs,” Dr. Okoye stated. NECA looks forward to continued engagement with the NCS to ensure businesses thrive and the economy grows”.
The Comptroller-General Adeniyi in his comments emphasized the NCS’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to build a more inclusive trade environment. “We see ourselves not just as enforcers, but as facilitators. We are committed to walking with you every step of the way in building a better ecosystem for Nigerian businesses to flourish,” he assured.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen collaboration, highlighting the strategic importance of Customs to business partnerships in achieving national economic development goals.
