JUST IN: Nigerian Importers To Start Clearing Goods From Cotonou Ports – Customs

JUST IN: Nigerian Importers To Start Clearing Goods From Cotonou Ports – Customs

Effective immediately, Nigerian importers intending to bring their goods through Cotonou Ports in Benin Republic can do so in full compliance with the law.

This development emerged as a prominent outcome during the two-day visit of Mr. Alain Kinkati, the Director-General of Customs Service of Benin Republic, as outlined in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), clarified that the specific details of the operational framework are currently in the process of being finalized.

Read Also Chicago State University Has Deleted Its 1979 Yearbook To Protect Nigerian President Bola Tinubu? – Fact Emerge

In accordance with this arrangement, goods destined for Nigeria will undergo assessment and the requisite duties will be paid in the originating country. These duties will then be credited to the Nigerian government through the Nigerian Customs Service.

Adeniyi characterized this framework as a significant stride in advancing sub-regional integration and streamlining trade procedures, a collaboration effort with their counterparts in neighboring Benin Republic.

He went on to mention that they have substantially reduced obstructions along trade routes, notably diminishing the number of checkpoints. This reduction has been achieved through collaboration with law enforcement, with a commitment to further minimize them.

Furthermore, the Acting Customs head revealed that they are in the final stages of synchronizing their Information Technology (IT) system with that of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to combat the illicit importation of vehicles into the country.

Additionally, he stated that his administration is actively aligning the list of prohibited items with that of Benin Republic, aiming to enhance the security function of the organization.