By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command on Wednesday, June 11 held a stakeholder engagement to enhance trade facilitation and optimize cargo movement via rail.
This is contained in a statement signed and sent by the Command’s spokesman, CSC Tunde Ayagbalo, 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, noted that the meeting was in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, to improve logistics through multimodal transport systems.
“Recall that rail has been in operation for quite a while, so we want to fine-tune the process to improve our trade objectives,” Olomu stated.
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Comptroller 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.
