Customs Sets To Implement Policies For Upskilling Of Personnel
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has revealed that the Service has made all arrangements to implement policies aimed at enhancing the skills of its staff through different initiatives.
Adeniyi, .also charged the newly inaugurated students of junior course 20 to take heed to the knowledge and skills that would be impacted on them during their training to contribute meaningfully to the Nigeria Customs Service’s mission of safeguarding national borders and protecting the integrity of the nation’s economy.
Represented by the Commander of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Bomai, CGC Adeniyi who made the call while addressing the students at the Ahmad Makarfi Theater of Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC) in Gwagwalada on Tuesday 24 September, 2024, urged them to embrace the challenge of being engaged in the training as an opportunity for growth and development
Educating the students about the history of the college, DCG Bomai said, “This ceremony marks a significant tradition in the history of our esteemed institution and reinforces the core values of dedication, discipline, and continuous development that have long been the pillars of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
DCG Bomai, however, emphasised the need for participants to generate new ideas and innovations to drive the service’s transformation, adding “Remember that this is only the beginning. You are the future of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the knowledge you gain here will empower you to carry the torch forward. Seize this moment, make the most of this experience, and rise to the challenges ahead.”
The CGC remarked, “I encourage you to make positive impacts and view your facilitators as role models, aspiring to become like them in the future. I also urge trainers to provide a listening ear in assisting and guiding you on your studies and welfare issues. Acquire knowledge to propel the Service forward.”
DCG Sulaiman Bomai assured that the CGC is ready to support any Officer willing to enhance their capacity, expressing confidence that the participants will make the Service proud as drivers of positive transformation.
On his part, Assistant Comptroller-General Kingsley Egwuh, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College Gwagwalada highlighted the course as a critical enabler of participants’ progression and aspirations in their noble careers.
The Commandant encouraged participants to enhance their confidence and competence in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security. He stressed that the capacity program prepares participants for increasing responsibilities in Command and Staff appointments.
He explained, “The course is designed to develop your Command, leadership, and communication skills to effectively carry out your work in the service. These skills are essential to address challenges confronting modern Customs operations.”
The Commandant further cautioned students to comport themselves desirably and ensure they obey the rules and regulations, as erring students would attract severe sanctions.
The event marks the final official outing of DCG Suleiman Bomai after 35 years of meritorious service.
Meanwhile , the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Technical Working Group (TWG), on a five-day benchmarking mission with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), was received by Huawei Technology South Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 19 September 2024.
According to Chief Superintendent of Customs Nnenna Awa, the NCS AEO Lead in Nigeria, benchmarking exercise was part of the Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme (ATFP), which is sponsored by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), UKaid, and supported by SARS to assist the NCS in the implementation of the AEO Programme in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Penny Bologo, SARS AEO Lead, called for increased collaboration with the NCS to facilitate the effective implementation of the AEO Programme in Nigeria. She emphasised that both Nigeria and South Africa play significant roles in global trade, making this partnership crucial. “The WCO Safe Framework of Standards, Pillar 1 (Customs-to-Customs) and Pillar 2 (Customs-to-Business), encourages partnerships between customs authorities and traders,” Bologo said.
While welcoming the NCS AEO Technical Working Group, Amy from Huawei Technology South Africa called for continued support from both SARS and the NCS in facilitating global trade through enhanced customs compliance mechanisms and greater participation in the AEO Programme.
Similarly, Austin Ijeh, Customs Compliance Officer at Huawei Nigeria, expressed gratitude to the NCS for its leadership in promoting the ease of doing business in Nigeria. He also commended the NCS for the ongoing support Huawei continues to receive in Nigeria.
In their separate remarks, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdulkareem Musa and Olufemi Kukoyi urged traders to comply with customs regulations, noting that the success of the AEO Programme relies heavily on trader compliance. They also commended the Comptroller-General of Customs for his efforts in facilitating trade in Nigeria through the AEO and other trade facilitation tools.
The meeting afforded the NCS AEO working group the opportunity to study how SARS administers AEO benefits to Huawei Technology, which is one of the AEO pilots scheme in Nigeria.