The acting comptroller-general of customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the pivotal role played by customs agents and importers in the port administration and underscored the significance of creating a regular engagement platform to resolve challenges.

Mr. Adeniyi stated, “Customs agents, importers play a very important role in the administration of the port and this is why we believe that we must regularly, periodically create a platform for engagement on issues.

This is going to be the feature of our relationship with not just the customs agents but all stakeholders; we believe in partnership and we believe that we can use innovation to drive the kind of change that we want to see.”

During a visit to the Lilypond export command in Lagos, Mr. Adeniyi commended the concept of establishing export processing terminals, which he viewed as instrumental in decongesting the ports while boosting local production and earning foreign exchange.

He also called on exporters and other government agencies to collaborate with customs to streamline the export process, ensuring optimal returns on their business investments.

In a breakfast meeting with representatives of shipping companies and terminal operators, Mr. Adeniyi stressed the importance of open discussions to address mutual concerns effectively.

“I believe in the power of consultation and collaboration with our stakeholders. Each time we need to discuss any issue, I will expect one or two members to flag it, and we will be willing to set up this kind of meeting,” he stated.

Musa explained that the decision was prompted by complaints raised by freight forwarders operating at the Seme border.

Musa stated, “When I was present with the former Minister of State for Transportation, the freight forwarders requested the reactivation of the border to enable the free movement of goods and services.

We prepared a memo on their behalf, which was subsequently considered and submitted to the government.”

Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of Seme Border Command, also expressed concern about the decline in revenue since the suspension of vehicle imports through land borders by the previous administration.

Nnadi revealed, “In response to our requests and those of stakeholders, the former Minister of Transportation pledged to present them to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

One of these requests was the full reopening of this border. The Ministry has informed us that the memo has been written and adopted by FEC, and it will be passed on to the new government. We have been assured that all the requests have been accepted.”

With the approval for the re-opening of the Seme land border for vehicle importation, the government aims to address the concerns raised by freight forwarders and boost revenue generation in the region.