In line with the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, to improve logistics through multimodal transport systems, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command on Wednesday, June 11 held a stakeholder engagement.
The event brought together representatives from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), clearing agents, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, applauded the commitment of the partners present at the meeting, describing their participation as a “confidence booster” that reinforces the shared goal of efficient cargo movement. He emphasised that a seamless trade process would benefit all stakeholders.
Representing the NRC, the Head of Operations, Akin Oshinowo, reiterated the agency’s longstanding cooperation with the NCS.
“We have always found a willing partner in the Comptroller and his men, and this form part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established years ago,” Oshinowo said.
He noted that the discussion aligns with the NRC’s objectives and supports the renewed hope agenda for rail transportation in Nigeria, emphasiing the importance of collaboration in achieving efficient cargo movement.
Stakeholders at the event commended the initiative, noting its potential to reduce the cost of imports and improve the overall efficiency of cargo distribution.
National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, Dr. Osita Chukwu, urged this government’s move to extend to other regions of the country.
The engagement featured an interactive session during which participants discussed the challenges facing cargo rail transport and proposed actionable solutions for improvement. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise.
The stakeholders identified key challenges, including infrastructure constraints, regulatory hurdles, and operational inefficiencies. They proposed solutions, such as investing in rail infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving coordination between agencies.
The stakeholder engagement marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the Apapa Customs Command to boost rail cargo movement.
The Command’s commitment to collaboration and synergy with stakeholders is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo distribution and reduce costs. As the Command moves forward, it is expected to build on the momentum generated by this engagement and achieve its objectives.
The stakeholder engagement marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the Apapa Customs Command to boost rail cargo movement.
The Command’s commitment to collaboration and synergy with stakeholders is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo distribution and reduce costs. As the Command moves forward, it is expected to build on the momentum generated by this engagement and achieve its objectives.
Olomu applauded the commitment of the partners present at the meeting, describing their participation as a “confidence booster” that reinforces the shared goal of efficient cargo movement. He emphasized that a seamless trade process would benefit all stakeholders.
Representing the NRC, the Head of Operations, Akin Oshinowo, reiterated the agency’s longstanding cooperation with the Service.
“We have always found a willing partner in the Comptroller and his men, which forms part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established years ago,” Oshinowo said.
Oshinowo noted that the discussion aligns with the NRC’s objectives and supports the renewed hope agenda for rail transportation in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving efficient cargo movement.
Stakeholders commended the initiative, noting its potential to reduce the cost of imports and improve the overall efficiency of cargo distribution.
Dr. Osita Chukwu, National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, said, “with what the government is doing, we hope it will not be limited to just one region but extended across the entire country, as is the case elsewhere”.
The engagement featured an interactive session during which participants discussed the challenges facing cargo rail transport and proposed actionable solutions for improvement. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to share their experiences and expertise.
The stakeholders identified key challenges, including infrastructure constraints, regulatory hurdles, and operational inefficiencies. They proposed solutions, such as investing in rail infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving coordination between agencies.
The stakeholder engagement marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the Apapa Customs Command to boost rail cargo movement.
The Command’s commitment to collaboration and synergy with stakeholders is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo distribution and reduce costs. As the Command moves forward, it is expected to build on the momentum generated by this engagement and achieve its objectives.
The stakeholder engagement marked a significant milestone in the efforts of the Apapa Customs Command to boost rail cargo movement.
The Command’s commitment to collaboration and synergy with stakeholders is expected to improve the efficiency of cargo distribution and reduce costs. As the Command moves forward, it is expected to build on the momentum generated by this engagement and achieve its objectives.