0
0
Nigerian importers who intend to import their goods through the Cotonou Ports in Benin Republic will now have the legal freedom to do so.
The decision to establish a clearing point for goods destined for Nigeria marked a significant outcome during the two-day working visit of Mr. Alain Kinkati, the Director-General of Benin Republic’s Customs Service. This development was highlighted in a communique released following the meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), elaborated that the specifics of this framework are currently under development.
As part of this arrangement, goods bound for Nigeria will undergo assessment and have the requisite duties paid in their country of origin. These duties will then be attributed to the Nigerian government, facilitated through the Nigerian Customs Service.
Adeniyi described the framework as a significant advancement in sub-regional integration and trade facilitation efforts, achieved through collaboration with their counterparts from neighboring Benin Republic.
He went on to highlight the substantial reduction in trade barriers along the corridors, with a significant decrease in the number of checkpoints. This accomplishment was achieved through cooperation with law enforcement authorities, and there is a commitment to further minimizing these checkpoints.
The Acting Customs chief also revealed that plans are in their final stages to integrate the Information Technology (IT) systems of Customs with that of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to combat the smuggling of vehicles into the country.
Additionally, the Customs chief stated that his administration is actively working to harmonize the list of prohibited items with Benin Republic, a measure aimed at enhancing the security functions of the organization.
