Story by Dili Utomi.
It was the gathering of the creme de la creme within the Maritime Sector of the Nigerian economy Friday as the Customs Training College, Ikeja, Lagos hosted the 2024 edition of the International Customs Day celebration.
At the top of the list of personalities at the event was the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Investments was represented by Mrs. Nonye Ayeni of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko was there so also was the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency was at the event as was Eze Anaba of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, some of the other big personalities who were at the event are, Chief Emenike Nwokeji, the president of the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, president of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders and of course the chief host of the event, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi amongst others.
The event was kicked off with a welcome address by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Strategy, Research and Policy, A I Alfa who said that the theme of this year’s celebration which is Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership in all operations of the Nigerian Customs Service.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi in his opening speech said that the theme of the celebration also aligns with their three point agenda of examination, innovation and collaboration which have been the guiding framework of the Nigeria Customs Service over the past seven months of his tenure as the CGC. The CGC added that the decision to celebrate the days occasion is a reflection of the message of the theme and the vital importance of the engagement of all traditional and new partners.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola indicated the major reason for the creation of the new ministry as “Tapping into the vast potential of the maritime domain, valued at over US$24 trillion, supporting 90% of global trade, and generating millions of jobs. He added that “The recent passage of the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 creates a favourable environment for trade. It recognises opportunities, addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors”.
The president of World Customs Organisation, Ian Saunders also sent in a video message on the day’s celebration as he mentioned the vital roles of our interrelationships through partnerships and collaborations.
The representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Nonye Ayeni made a speech on behalf of her principal, she traced the history of the Nigeria Customs Service and her role in promoting economic growth and development. She says that the exportation of finished goods from the country as is facilitated by the NCS is critical to the economic growth and development of the nation and that strong collaborative efforts are always needed to improve on these.
There were goodwill messages. Mohammed Bello-Koko of the NPA noted that deep collaborative efforts between the NPA and NCS is recording gains through the shortening of cargo dwell time.
Dr. Bashir Jamoh of NIMASA on his part though noted that his agency has not really been in many partnerships with the NCS, but he nevertheless emphasised the need for collaborative efforts and partnerships in the Customs operation as the two agencies of government are working towards the same goal of economic prosperity for the nation.
Speakers from the ANLCA, NAGAFF and the Nigerian Guild of Editors also spoke aligning themselves with the idea of cooperation, partnerships and collaborations in order that the country may reach her economic Eldorado.
The speeches were followed by awards to many groups such as the NPA, NSC, ANLCA, NAGAFF, NUJ, NGE and other entities as well as to individuals within the NCS such as the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, MBA Musa, Comptroller CD Wada, Comptroller HK Ejibunu, CAC F Williams-Ebi and including the public relations department of the Customs for all their professional inputs while Serving Nigeria.
For advert placements and more information, please call us on 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us on [email protected] or send us messages on x @dn_utomi or on instagram @utomidili
