By Onu Okorie
The Nigeria Customs Service NCS has declared that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
This was part of statement made available to the media during the weekend in Abuja by the Assistant Comptroller of Customs National Public Relations Officer ABDULLAHI MAIWADA on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
According to him, “The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirms its mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security. We urge all stakeholders to prioritise cooperation, adhere to due process, and maintain mutual respect to sustain a conducive environment for economic growth and seamless cargo operations.”
MAIWADA explained that it became necessary to clear the air given the incident on March 6, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo MMAC NAHCO Shed, NCS were drawn to miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements resulted in a disagreement between officials of the Federal Airports
Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the NCS.
According to him, “in line with the World Customs Organisation’s WCO Safe Framework of standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (OGA), and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment. ”
“This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy. While the Service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national
interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance
with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.”
