…as NAGAFF calls for more interaction with freight forwarders at grassroots
LAGOS, Nigeria – It was another moment to scrutinise activities of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Friday, December 22, 2023, as
Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria
(MAJAN), did a thorough review of the just-concluded Customs Comptroller – General’s Conference.
The analysis of CGC’s conference took several hours, as MAJAN began with the topics, ‘Leveraging data analytics for secure and efficient trade facilitation in Customs operations’, which was said to be most appropriate, and in line with global trends in Customs operations.
MAJAN, as an Association, applauded the leadership prowess of the Comptroller – General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as proactive, result-oriented and a go-getter.
Aside the topic, MAJAN scored CGC Adeniyi high on the schedules for paper presentations and panel discussions at the conference. For instance, the conference began with a retrospective look at NCS, reflections from the past, which was a well thought out initiative to give a brief historical perspective and what the Service wants to achieve, going forward.
Most commendable was that the conference programme aligned with the policy of the Federal Government in its renewed hope agenda; and the policy thrust of the Customs Boss anchored on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
Panel two discussion focused on ‘data-driven Government, navigating the future of modern Customs administrations. Panel-three centred on ‘Harnessing data analytics to enhance NCS core mandates’.
Panel-four was anchored on ‘Leveraging data to create an enabling environment for Customs administrations’ and panel-five gave vivid analysis on; ‘Using data analytics to create enabling environment for Customs administrations’.
Also, the opening ceremony brought interesting dimensions to the conference, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, attended as the special guest of honour.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, declared the ceremony open, praising CGC Adeniyi for resuscitating the important programme many years after it was abandoned.
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the very conspicuous entrance and contribution of His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, economic experts, members of the National Assembly, maritime stakeholders, the media and other dignitaries, who attended the programme, extolled the virtues of CGC Adeniyi in the successful hosting of a conference of such magnitude.
MAJAN also commended the CGC’s initiative in choosing Lagos State as the first venue to start the conference after many years, acknowledging the pivotal role Lagos plays in Customs operations, especially in revenue collection of over 70 per cent annually.
Going further, after the indepth review of the programme, MAJAN sought audience with a reputable stakeholder, in order to get expert opinion.
In a roundtable interaction with the Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam, the association highlighted its observations at the conference.
In his response, Dr Aniebonam lauded the Customs CG for his exemplary leadership and pragmatic approach. However, he advised CGC Adeniyi to interact more with freight forwarders at the grassroots.
Dr Aniebonam emphasised that such interaction will give him ample opportunity to have first hand information about their challenges and experience in the field.
His words: “The CGC has done well and we acknowledge that. He needs to meet freight forwarders at the grassroots in their domain without hesitation.
“He should not be in a hurry to leave them. Let him spend time and interact well with them to hear what is happening in the field.”
Dr Aniebonam, the Founder of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), and also the Freight Forwarder General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, assured that the tenure of CGC Adeniyi as the Customs Boss will remain most outstanding, if he relates more with stakeholders in the maritime industry, especially those at the grassroots, as this will afford him the opportunity to get first hand what they encounter in the field and also the way forward, therefrom.”
