The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has announced the Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to thwart the activities of economic saboteurs engaged in smuggling, during his tenure.
Adeniyi reaffirmed this stance on Tuesday, as he welcomed a delegation from the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, led by Dr. Raymond Edoh, at Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing the delegation, the Ag. CGC stated: “I am pleased to convey, on behalf of the entire Nigeria Customs Service management team, our intention to collaborate wholeheartedly with your anti-smuggling campaign. We pledge our full support and have designated one of our esteemed Deputy Comptroller-Generals, Abba Kura, to work closely with your team.”
He expressed gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the significant strides the Nigeria Customs Service has already taken in combating smuggling. CGC Adeniyi also welcomed Dr. Raymond’s offer to provide capacity-building for Customs officers in digital literacy skills, noting that the Service has initiated training programs to embrace technology effectively.
Highlighting the significance of this partnership, CGC Adeniyi emphasized, “Our goal is to modernize the Customs Service through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, as we highly value partnerships. Your extended hand of collaboration is deeply appreciated.”
He further commended UN-Habitat’s commitment to training Customs personnel in digital literacy skills, ensuring that this investment will enhance trade facilitation.
Dr. Raymond Edoh, the Director of UN-Habitat, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service to Acting Comptroller-General Adeniyi, whom he described as “a competent Customs officer with extensive experience.”
Dr. Raymond outlined the purpose of their visit, emphasizing UN-Habitat’s interest in partnering with the Service. He praised the Customs Service as a vital guardian of the nation’s borders, dedicated to safeguarding citizens against border threats. He assured that UN-Habitat would collaborate with the NCS to combat illicit goods smuggling and provide digital literacy training and certification for Customs personnel.
UN-Habitat, as the United Nations body responsible for urban policy development and sustainable city planning, is committed to promoting sustainable urban development and adequate shelter for all.
