The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it is focused on simplifying trade operations in alignment with global trends and best practices, despite facing hurdles in implementing its 2023 Act.
The service also acknowledged challenges in deploying expensive technology infrastructure, providing continuous comprehensive training for officers, maintaining vigilance against corruption, and engaging stakeholders.
The Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone command of the NCS, Abdullahi Abiola, stated this at a training workshop organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) in collaboration with the School of Eloquence in Lagos.
Abiola, who represented the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasised that economic growth depends significantly on the ease of doing business and adherence to the rule of law, among other factors.
He stressed that the NCS is generally shifting its focus from maximum revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts to adopting international best practices in customs operations.
He also stated that the NCS is moving away from outdated regulations and cumbersome operational models, to encouraging businessmen and stakeholders to become compliant traders.
According to him, Sections 7, 14(5), and 18 of the 2023 Act, which establish a governing board and funding sources for sustainability in Customs operations, are intended to improve standards and align with international best practices.
He urged stakeholders to leverage the benefits of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Free Trade Zones (FTZs) to facilitate trade, attract more Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) into the country and grow the national economy.
On his part, the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Dr Ubong Essien, urged maritime journalists to explore and report on the potential of the Marine and Blue Economy.
Essien, a former Special Adviser on Media and Strategy at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), stressed the importance of media practitioners creating wealth through effective and quality reporting of the Marine and Blue Economy.
He noted that the maritime industry extends beyond the ocean and shipping and that the blue economy is vast, offering journalists the opportunity to specialise and create wealth.
Essien maintained that journalism and law are essential professions for driving consciousness in the evolution of modern societies.
Earlier, the President of AMJON, Paul Ogbuokiri, commended the management of the school for providing the facilities for the training program and charged maritime journalists to update and upgrade their reporting skills.
