The CEO/Managing Director of International Supply Chain Systems (ISCS) Limited, Chief Amb. (Dr.) Afam Chukwuma, has said that the recent emergency of the of the Controller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has opened international door of collaboration that will advance not just the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) but the nation at large.
Chukwuma who is also the Deputy National President (Seaport) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), in his congratulatory message to the CGC lauded the appointment describing it as a transformative milestone that would yield bountifully to the economy.
He said: “This remarkable achievement reflects the CGC’s resilience and leadership excellence. His contributions to trade facilitation and customs transformation in Nigeria have now received global recognition”, the message read in part.
According to Chukwuma, engaging with international customs bodies, particularly those in Europe and North America will expose the CGC to world-class operational standards, such as 24 to 48 hour cargo clearance, paperless trade systems, and robust technological infrastructure.
He noted that “the CGC will now be seated at the head of an organisation where efficiency and innovation are the norm. This will undoubtedly motivate him to adopt best practices and apply them to improve Nigeria’s customs service. It’s a win-win for our economy”.
The NAGAFF (Seaport) Deputy National President explained that improved clearance processes and streamlined trade policies would reduce the cost of doing business, attract more international partners, and lead to a surge in trade volume ultimately boosting Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings.
On exports, he highlighted that the CGC’s exposure to global export-driven economies will inspire a push toward export growth and self-sufficiency in Nigeria.
“You can’t chair meetings where countries boast of export surpluses while leading a system that is import-dependent. This role will challenge and inspire the CGC to elevate Nigeria’s trade balance.
“This presents a golden opportunity to reposition the country’s trade ecosystem for greater global competitiveness”, the ISCS boss buttressed.