TRADE FACILITATION: NEPZA Proposes Tripartite Committee With Customs To Boost FTZ Operations

Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has proposed a tripartite committee to seek out issues relating to the free trade zones while also imbibing the culture of collaboration.

Ogunyemi stated this when the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi,
played host to him at the headquarters of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) ‘A’ Lagos.

The MD said: “We at NEPZA see Customs playing a vital role in free trade zones, striking a balance between trade facilitation and regulatory enforcement.

” By leveraging technology and collaboration, customs can enhance the benefits of free trade zones to drive economic growth and global connectivity”, Ogunyemi stated.

Responding, CGC Adeniyi pledged to work with NEPZA in the interest of the special economic zones.

“We already have a committee headed by the DCG comprising a team from Customs, NEPZA and the Secretariat provided by the special economic zone association. Their mandates include issues that require interpretation of legal provisions among others”, Adeniyi stated.

He assured an open-door policy to dialogue with understanding to stimulate economic development.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to boost Nigeria’s Manufacturing Sector through Trade Facilitation.

Adeniyi made the commitment at the 53rd Anniversary and Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Wednesday, 14 August 2024, in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the CGC acknowledged the role of the service in transforming national economic objectives into feasible outcomes.

He said, “Customs is a key agency at the forefront of trade facilitation and regulatory compliance, we play a vital role in translating national economic objectives into tangible outcomes. We will, therefore, explore all customs swift adaptation to new directives, including tariff adjustments and Trade Facilitation measures to impact the manufacturing sector directly”.

He stated the service’s commitment to supporting the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector while also emphasising the importance of compliance and integrity in partnerships.

He pledged to work with the manufacturing sector to combat illegal trade. “We are going to put a lot of emphasis on issues related to the enforcement of brands and standards, and we will not allow counterfeit products in our markets. This commitment shows that we understand what manufacturers need and will be here to help the industry grow”.

“However, we need you to be honest and follow the rules. Customs is ready to work hand in hand with you to make our country a manufacturing giant”, the CGC stressed.