Shipper’s Council, Customs Join forces to promote economic development through trade facilitation

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has paid a working visit to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko Border, Ogun State, aimed at strengthening operational ties and promoting trade facilitation.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, made the disclosure when the council visited the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command Idiroko.

The visit he said was aimed at identifying joint strategies to address barriers to trade and reinforcing ethical practices along the corridor.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by Adaora Nwonu, Deputy Director, Trade Services at NSC,harped on streamline

Shippers’ Council and Nigerian Customs discussed ways to streamline border processes and support the federal government’s goal of boosting regional commerce.

Nwonu reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the Customs Service to advance cross-border trade facilitation and promote economic development.

Welcoming his guests, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, Area Controller of the Ogun 1 of NCS, Idiroko appreciated Shippers’ Council active role in promoting trade facilitation across Nigeria.

He noted that Customs remains open to collaboration with the NSC and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth movement of goods, curb smuggling, and foster transparency at border points.

The visit included a facility tour, where the Comptroller led the NSC delegation on an inspection of the office space allocated to the Council for its proposed Border Information Centre.

This strategic initiative aims to improve information flow, transparency, and compliance at the border.

The visit reinforces the NSC’s ongoing drive to engage with key actors in the trade and logistics chain and contribute to the development of a more efficient and accountable port and border ecosystem.