The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) to establish the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment in Lagos.
The NCS spokesman, Abdullah Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said that the the centre, named after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, marked a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape.
Maiwada said that the centre, inaugurated on Thursday, would serve as a ‘finishing school’ for senior customs officers.
He quoted the Customs CG as saying that the establishment of the centre came at a crucial time as Nigeria was repositioning itself in the global trade environment.
“As we continue to advance these initiatives, I envision that this centre will evolve into a comprehensive national think tank focused on international trade and investment.
“We have a strong commitment to our mandate of trade facilitation, among other things.
“So, we believe that the centre will be a centre of excellence in building capacity and most importantly, creating awareness about the necessity of conducting international trade.
“Trade brings prosperity and we hope that this centre will foster prosperity through trade,”Adeniyi said.
Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Director-General of NIIA, who expressed happiness in the establishment of the centre, said it would offer senior executive courses and certifications to customs officers.
He also stated that the NIIA would integrate the centre’s curriculum into the global framework of the World Customs Organisation.
The event featured a panel discussion with prominent Nigerians, including Donald Duke and Dr Chinyere Almona, who explored the challenges and solutions for Nigeria’s economy in the areas of trade and investment.
The Customs boss officially unveiled the centre and later toured the facility.
