By David Adekunle, Lagos
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has underscored the critical role of policy alignment in driving economic prosperity for a larger segment of the population. Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, Adeniyi stressed the necessity for both state and non-state actors to actively participate in this process.
Addressing the audience as a guest speaker at the institute’s distinguished lecture series, themed “Nigeria’s Economic Growth and Development: Reforming and Positioning the Nigeria Customs Service for the African Continental Free Trade Area and other Emerging Challenges,” Adeniyi urged Nigerians to recognize and seize the golden opportunities available to them.
In his address, Adeniyi acknowledged that Nigeria may be lagging behind, but he encouraged the populace to leverage these opportunities and strive for excellence. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all operators within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are sufficiently informed and prepared for the impending changes.
Furthermore, the Customs helmsman highlighted the necessity for extensive sensitization efforts to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed about the developments. Emphasizing the significance of capacity building within the Customs, he outlined various innovative initiatives that have been implemented under his leadership to enhance trade facilitation.
Adeniyi stressed the imperative of equipping Customs personnel with the required skills and knowledge to effectively implement the AfCFTA regulations, especially in areas such as rules of origin. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with partners to bolster the Customs’ capacity in this regard.
Expressing the immense pressure to generate revenue, Adeniyi reminded the nation of the necessity to temper expectations regarding revenue generation, acknowledging the broader economic development needs and debt obligations. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to propelling industrial development through various agencies.
In a related development, Professor Osaghe Osaghae, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, disclosed the institute’s plans to establish a lasting partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, including the annual organization of lecture series. With a focus on strengthening the service’s capacity and foundation to fulfill its customs duties leadership, the NIIA announced the establishment of the Bashir Adewale Adeniyi centre for international trade and investment.
The event culminated in the conferment of the distinguished fellow of NIIA on Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi. Notably, the occasion was graced by prominent individuals, including Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP Presidential Candidate in 2023, and Erelu Dosumu Abiola.
Photo Caption: Prince Adewole Adebayo, SDP Presidential Candidate in 2023, Director General of NIIA, Prof. Osaghe Osaghae, Erelu Dosumu Abiola, and Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi at the NIIA lecture in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
