The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has said that the World Customs Organisation WCO- assisted Time Release Study TRS Scoping Mission for Nigeria represents a critical step in the service’s ongoing efforts to optimise the trading experience and Customs operations in Nigeria.

Speaking during the launch of the programme in Lagos last week, the Comptroller General said the service is committed to improving Customs’ operations based on the outcomes of the WCO- assisted TRS Scoping Mission for Nigeria.

“The WCO TRS initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimise the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour, aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development.

“The launch of the TRS underscores our commitment to improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. In addition to TRS, the NCS is deploying the AEO program, Advanced Ruling, and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue.

“These initiatives, supported by the WCO, further reinforce our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures”, he said

The CGC further restated the commitment of the service to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development, adding that the TRS method is a systematic and standardised approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the Customs border until their release.

In attendance at the event were Ministers of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka-Anite, Finance, Wale Edun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lydia Jafiya, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah, DG NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, captains of industries, among other stakeholders.

Minister of Finance, who performed the official launch, noted that the TRS aligns with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda, “which demonstrates the president’s commitment to unleashing full economic potential to and among other states. Redefining best approaches to create the enabling environment for businesses in addition to providing excellent services for economic operations”.

On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, noted that trade facilitation will enhance trade volume and lead to revenue generation.

“I implore you to redouble your efforts in focusing on trade facilitation. This is because when you facilitate trade, you’re enhancing our trade volume and making our nation more competitive, and then we can generate more revenue without increasing our levies”, the Minister also said.