Customs says new compliance traders platform conforms to WCO protocol

“The Compliance trade platform is protected by the new Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and will be designed to systematically identify tolerable risks affecting the importation of legitimate goods into Nigeria”

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service has unveiled a platform for authorised economic operators for compliance traders.

A statement by the National Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Thursday night, said that the platform is in line with the World Customs Organisation protocol.

World Customs

In the statement, the acting Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the platform is protected by the new Nigerian Customs Service Act 2023 and will be designed to systematically identify tolerable risks affecting the importation of legitimate goods into Nigeria.

Adeniyi re-echoed his commitment to tackling the challenges bedeviling trade facilitation in Nigeria.

The customs boss, however, said that compliant traders and businesses of significant benefits should embrace the benefit of the innovation, assuring them that the platform will be a game-changer in the realm of trade facilitation.

Emphasised the role the Authorised Economic Operator(AEO) which is an
authorization granted by customs that secures international trade, and makes administrative formalities much easier.

He went to say, “It is believed that the AEO project will contribute to ease of doing business across various sectors and attract investors into the country. The process, which is expected to improve security and efficiency in fast-tracking goods, will reduce turnaround time for importers and double up the chances of generating revenue.”

Adeniyi added that the platform will strengthen the mutual recognition between the service and stakeholders.

“Some of the benefits that AEO brings are reducing examination and priority examination, amongst others which makes communications easier,” he stated.