The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ondo/Ekiti Area Command has reiterated its commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment to boost trade facilitation and promote economic growth in Nigeria.
This assurance was given by the Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji, during a visit from delegates of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) at the Command’s headquarters in Akure.
In a press statement by the Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Herbert Dzungwenen, who serves as the Command’s Public Relations Officer, quoted Bewaji as praising APFFLON’s critical role in Nigeria’s supply chain and logistics sectors.
She described freight forwarders as crucial partners in ensuring seamless trade facilitation and advancing Nigeria’s global economic objectives.
“APFFLON has consistently been a strong partner to the Nigeria Customs Service, and our continued dialogue only strengthens our mutual efforts to streamline trade processes and ensure compliance with international standards,” Bewaji remarked.
The Customs boss outlined several initiatives by the Command aimed at supporting the ease of doing business.
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These included regular consultations with trade stakeholders to address challenges, continuous training programs for Customs officers and stakeholders, and a robust commitment to providing clear guidelines to eliminate trade uncertainties.
Comptroller Bewaji also emphasised the need for stakeholders to prioritize training, innovation, and efficiency in driving a competitive trading environment. She expressed gratitude to the APFFLON delegation and assured them of the Command’s steadfast support for the federal government’s Ease of Doing Business initiative.
Earlier, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, the National President of APFFLON, who led the delegation, called for deeper collaboration between Customs and freight forwarders to remove trade barriers and stimulate economic growth.
He stressed the importance of strong partnerships to enhance trade facilitation and achieve shared objectives.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy.
