RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment with other agencies at Customs- controlled areas for smooth operations.
The NCS gave the assurance amid the face off between its officials and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over movement of equipment and seating arrangements at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo (MMAC) NAHCO Shed recently in Lagos.
In a statement by the National Public Relations. Officers Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs Wale Adeniyi, the agency emphasised that Interagency cooperation is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy.
It however reiterated that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, adding that the warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.
While reaffirming its mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security, the NCS urged all stakeholders to prioritise cooperation, adhere to due process, and maintain mutual respect to sustain a conducive environment for economic growth and seamless cargo operations.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to an incident on March 6, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo (MMAC) NAHCO Shed. A miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements resulted in a disagreement between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the NCS.
” In line with the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (OGA), and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment.
“This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy.
“While the Service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export
Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Service remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
“The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirms its mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security.
“We urge all stakeholders to prioritise cooperation, adhere to due process, and maintain mutual respect to sustain a conducive environment for economic growth and seamless cargo operations”.