Comptroller Otunla Pledges To Streamline Business Processes To Foster Smooth Flow Of Legitimate Trade
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Otunla Pledges To Streamline Business Processes To Foster Smooth Flow Of Legitimate Trade
••• Requests for synergy among port users and operators
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the visionary leadership of Comptroller Godwin A Otunla, recently had a high-level stakeholder engagement session, with focus on enhancing trade facilitation along Idiroko-Igolo border corridor.
The event which is reported to have been held at the command’s conference room, brought together key players in cross-border trade, including representatives from the Benin Republic Customs Authority, trade associations, business leaders, clearing agents from both Nigeria and Benin Republic, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and Customs liaison officers.
A statement signed and made available by the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSC Chado Zakaria, anipr, said the dialogue reached is centered on improving customs cooperation and streamlining business processes to foster the smooth flow of legitimate trade across the corridor.
In his speech, Comptroller Otunla, who pointed out the significance of Nigeria-Benin economic ties, also stated that the economic relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic is not only vital to their bilateral engagements, but also to the broader West African sub-region.
Comptroller Otunla is quoted as saying: “We share a long history of trade and economic cooperation which must continue to thrive in a secure and orderly environment”.
The Customs Area Controller, acknowledged the existing challenges that hinder trade, which included border inefficiencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and security concerns issues, which he said must be addressed to restore the vibrant commercial activity witnessed before the border closure.
Comptroller Otunla, is reported to have said that the objective of the meeting was to foster candid dialogue, identify obstacles, and co-create practical, implementable solutions that would promote lawful trade across the Igolo–Idiroko corridor.
At the interactive session, stakeholders pointed out several impediments affecting business activities at the border, which included multiple checkpoints, poor road infrastructure, inadequate space for handling large volumes of containers, tariff and non-tariff barriers, absence of effective dispute resolution mechanisms and persistent security challenges.
In line with the discussions during the meeting, participants inspected a one-hectare site provided by the command, which is capable of accommodating over 30 containers, as an infrastructural development geared towards easing cargo flow.
During the meeting, stakeholders expressed optimism and agreed with the measures and assurances provided by the Command, that Idiroko would soon experience a resurgence in legitimate cross-border trade.
In his closing speech, Comptroller Otunla, reaffirmed his commitment to immediate action in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, which emphasizes cooperation and collaboration.
However, he pledged to utilize all powers within his office to implement the resolutions reached during this engagement.
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