The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has pledged willingness to work with stakeholders, terminal operators and port authority to improve economic development. 

He made this known during his official visit to Apapa Area Command on Tuesday, 18 July 2023.

He said the role of Customs Agents and importers in the port administration is very important and will create a platform for issues to be resolved. 

He said, "Customs Agents, importers play a very important role in the administration of the port and this is why we believe that we must regularly, periodically create a platform for engagement on issues".

"This is going to be the feature of our relationship with not just the Customs Agents but all our stakeholders, we believe in partnership and we believe that we can use innovation to drive the kind of change that we want to see', he emphasised. 

Dr. Kayode Farinto, a freight forwarder, who spoke on behalf of other stakeholders, stated that there are many challenges but assured of their support to achieve success. 

At the Lilypond export Command, the Ag. CGC and his entourage were received by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede. 

He commended the concept of establishing export processing terminals. According to him, it is not just a strategy to decongest the port, but there are many other benefits involved in it. 

"I, therefore, commend the initiative of establishing very dedicated terminals to take care of exports, for us to boost our local production and earn foreign exchange", he said. 

He urged exporters and other agencies of government to continue to partner with Customs to ease the export process to ensure that they get value for the money invested in the business. 

"It is a good step in the right direction. I've had several discussions with the Customs Area Controller on what you can do, how we can fine-tune the process to ensure that our exporters get real value for the money they have invested in their businesses", he said. 

"I believe that we will be able to reignite the interest of Nigerians about the potentials that exist so that instead of having so many people looking for white collar jobs that are not there, they could be gainfully engaged in this kind of ventures that will bring food to their table and prosperity in Nigeria", he added. 

Similarly, the Customs Boss also had a breakfast meeting with representatives of shipping companies and terminal operators on Wednesday, 19th July 2023. He emphasised the need for such arrangements to discuss issues of best interest. 

"I believe in the power of consultation and collaboration with our stakeholders. Each time we need to discuss any issue, I will expect one or two members to flag it and we will be willing to set up this kind of meeting", he said. 

The Ag. CGC expressed willingness to work with all stakeholders to manage issues of common interest to all in a mutually beneficial manner.