The Customs Consultative Committee CCC, an advisory body, has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service over its exceptional performance in enforcing import regulations and generating revenue under the National Strategic Economic Development Plan NSEDP.

According to a statement by its Secretary, Dr. Eugene Nweke, the Council acknowledges the achievements of the Service in intercepting prohibited and restricted import items including unregistered pharmaceuticals and expired margarines, at the Apapa Port Command.

It also commended the Service over the recent seizure of 11 containers with a combined Duty Paid Value DPV of ₦921billion, describing the feat a testament to the Service’s commitment to national security and economic growth.

The statement reads in part: “The CCC appreciates the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and other officials for their vision and commitment to excellence. Their leadership has been instrumental in driving the service’s performance and ensuring the effective implementation of the NSEDP.

“As a prompt advisory towards the sustenance of this momentum, the CCC hereby offers the following recommendations: Provide constant training and capacity-building programmes for NCS officers, foster stronger relationships with stakeholders to promote compliance and trade facilitation, continuously refine risk assessment protocols.

“Leverage advanced technologies, organise workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the trading public on the provisions and implications of the new Customs Act 2023. Reinforce the 7Cs of Customs (Courtesy, Competence, Consistency, Compliance, Control, Communication, and Compliance) and uphold the principles of the Alushta Declaration on Customs Integrity, upgrade the server infrastructure and bandwidth to support the B’Odogwu platform, ensuring seamless transactions and minimising system downtime.”

The Council also made a strong case for the enthronement of a regime of international best practices, especially inculcating international cooperation, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in trade processes and procedures.

“Going forward, the CCC urges the NCS to implement these recommendations within the next six months and we express confidence in the ability of the service to continue to deliver outstanding results. Finally, the CCC reiterates its support for the NCS’s efforts and looks forward to continued collaboration”, the group also said.