Customs Partners Benin Republic to Curb Trans-Border Crimes
James Emejo in Abuja
The acting Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed his commitment to collaborate with the Benin Republic to enhance trans-border security and regulate trade between both countries.
He also said the partnership will enable both agencies to prepare the way for an in-depth mechanism to harmonise the import prohibition lists by the two countries.
Speaking when he officially received Senior Officers of Benin Customs, led by its Director-General, Alain Hinkati, for bilateral talks in Abuja, Adeniyi further reiterated his commitment to curb smuggling and unlawful trade through the borders.
He said, “We deemed it necessary to meet and form a strong agreement that will support our strategic plans to implement technological-base measures of clearing and tracking of items at our borders.”
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, the acting CGC, however, said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had also concluded plans to promote good relations with border communities with a view to actualizing full participation of private sectors and frameworks of border Customs Units.
He praised the Benin Customs and Embassy for expressing interest in collaborating with Nigeria to enhance trade facilitation.
Adeniyi said, “The customs administration in both countries have a very good idea and technical know-how on what it means with trade; thus, we are back with a renewed enthusiasm to foster our relationship and make an impact on our trade facilitation roadmap.
“We hope that the programme will address the issues of trade and set a roadmap for the implementation of new strategies that will enhance the economy and revenue in Nigeria and Benin Republic.”
On his part, however, Hinkati, said both agencies needed to develop ideas to address transit issues and other progressive measures, adding that the increasing global security challenges and the need for cooperation among customs administrations cannot be over-emphasised as this will boost their respective economies.
