NAHCO gets Customs boost for export centre

NAHCO’s efforts at operating a globally acceptable standard export processing centre received a major boost recently when Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller – General of the Nigeria Customs Service, told the Management of the ground handling Company that it has Customs full support to operate the NAHCO Export Packaging & Processing Centre (NEPPC).

The CGC, who gave the assurance during a visit to NAHCO Head Office and the Nahco NEPPC in Lagos said it was his duty as the number one Customs Officer in the Country and even as a private individual, having seen the extent of investment in the Centre, to support the operation of the Centre.

This is moreso as the Centre is tailored exclusively towards the exportation of Nigerian commodities.

He said, “I commend what you are doing here. And whatever you are doing, and it is improving the economy of the country, especially exports, I am all for it.”

Adeniyi, therefore, instructed the CAC, Cargo Terminal Command, MT Awe to perfect the procedures required and ensure that the NEPPC goes full blast.

The CGC, who came in company of his top team in Lagos including ACG Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A; MT Awe, Comptroller, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Hajj & Cargo Terminal; Comptroller EJ Harisson, Murtala International Airport Command; Comptroller MS Shuaibu, FOU Zone A and other top officials of the Service stated that NCS is interested in any cargo processing center designed to ensure compliance with global standards.

He said Customs is not only about generating revenue but also about supporting businesses that will create employment and bring in much-needed foreign exchange.

Responding, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, the GMD/CEO, Nigerian Aviation Handling PLC, said he was very delighted to receive the Customs C-G, describing the visit as a very needed encouragement the Company requires in its efforts geared towards boosting the country’s agro-exports through the airports.

Olumekun said the operation of the Centre will follow global standards and will create room for more cargo to be processed in the NAHCO export shed since perishables would be moved to the NEPPC. He pointed out that the reason behind the establishment of the Centre was to ensure compliance and proper packaging of commodities that would be acceptable to global markets.

With the GMD in receiving the CGC was with Adeoye Emiloju, the CFO of the Company; Ahmed Bashir Gulma, GM, External Affairs, and Oluwole Olalandu, the Head, Cargo Services.

The NEPPC was commissioned in 2024 as a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products on the global stage, create jobs at home and push the boundaries of what Nigeria could sell abroad.

By streamlining export processes, adhering to stringent packaging standards, and ensuring the quality of Nigerian products, NAHCO, through the facility is setting up international benchmark for the processing of Nigeria goods targeted at global markets.