... As Customs CG Says Service Committed To Fostering Collaborative Working Environment
KOREDE DAMIFOGO
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has said that the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) are Customs licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses.
The Customs CG who disclosed this in a press statement titled, ‘Nigeria Customs Service Reaffirms Commitment To Inter-Agency Cooperation Amid Incident At MMAC NAHCO Shed,’ made available to BUSINESSINSIDERNG by the national public relations officer, Abdulahi Maiwada against the backdrop of a miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the service and resulted in a disagreement at NAHCO shed.
According to the Customs boss, the two warehouses remained under the control of the Customs Service.
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to an incident on March 6, 2025, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo (MMAC) NAHCO Shed. A miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements resulted in a disagreement between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the NCS.
“In line with the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of
Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government
Agencies (OGA), and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment.
“This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and
the overall growth of the national economy.”
The Customs boss said that the service reaffirmed its mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security.
He further stated that the service is committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation, ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the
recurrence of such incidents.
“While the Service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS.
“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, MFR, the Service remains committed to fostering inter-agency cooperation
and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the
recurrence of such incidents.
“The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirms its mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security. We urge all stakeholders to
prioritise cooperation, adhere to due process, and maintain mutual respect to sustain
a conducive environment for economic growth and seamless cargo operations.”