• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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“Border closure yielding positive results in agric, manufacturing sectors” – Customs boss

Hameed Ali

The Comptroller general of the Nigeria Custom Service, Hameed Ali, on Monday reiterated that the current border closure by the federal government is yielding positive results as well as complementing the government’s effort in boosting local agricultural production and manufacturing.

Ali stated this at the 2020 International customs day celebration themed “Customs fostering sustainability for people, prosperity and planet” held in Abuja.

He said, “The ongoing border drill in collaboration with other security agencies is renewing opportunities that exists within the agricultural, economic and manufacturing sectors among others.

“This opportunities have stimulated more economic more economic activities as farmers are enjoying unprecedented patronage, farms are being expanded and job opportunities provided,”

The comptroller general, speaking on the achievements of the service in the preceding year, said that the service has been able to intercept illicit cash flows through airports and other trade endangered areas.

“The Service generated N1.34 trillion in 2019, the figure which exceeded the N937billion target of the federal government by N404 billion”.

Speaking on the essence of the Customs day celebration, he said it was a day to look back at the contributions of the service in the previous year and subsequent projections for the new year, and also recognize those who have contributed exception ally towards achieving the statutory mandate of the Customs.

He assured that the Customs service will collaborate with all stakeholders in achieving a free, safe and secured movement of goods and persons across Nigeria’s borders.

Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General, World Customs Organization, in his remark said Customs all over the world must ensure “Expeditious implement of the WCO framework of standards on cross-border and e-commerce as well as reduce the impact of counterfeiting and piracy to prevent unfair competition and create enable environment where innovation and creativity will thrive,”

He said that the choice of these years theme was informed by the organization’s desire to serve humanity through secured borders, ensure prosperity by reducing trade barriers as well as protect the planet by ensuring it’s sustainability for future generations.

 

Cynthia Egboboh, Abuja