The Kano/Jigawa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has concluded a sensitization programme on Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for stakeholders in the Free Trade Zone to enhance compliance
Addressing participants at the event, Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana described the event as a fallout of the directives from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to the Controller, the CGC’s directive was sequel to resolutiond reached at the 2023 edition of the Comptroller General of Customs Conference held in December in Lagos.
Comptroller Chana added that the prescribed time line of holding the sensitization event in the first quarter of 2024 was adhered to in line with Sections 134 to 138 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
He advised the stakeholders to always avoid smuggling and evasion of duty to avoid being on the wrong side of the law and reminded them that the watchful eyes of the command will always be active to detect any lawful activity perpetuated in the zone
He said it is important for FTZ operators to always adhere to the rules guiding their activities and stated further that compliance saves time, prevent penalties and contribute in building organisational integrity
Hesaid a good record of operational integrity lays the foundation for traders to enjoy benefits of the authorised economic operators (AEO) status launched by the CGC this week. Comptroller Chana said transparency in the free trade zone operations would result in a win-win for government and the stakeholders.
He reassured them of regular assistance from his office to facilitate trade at all times while urging them to feel free to seek clarifications on any area they need further assistance or to be updated with more information.
According to him, the extant rules guiding goods manufactured in the free trade zone for export and need for assessment for duty payment when such products enter the customs zone are critical areas stakeholders should be abreast about
The event which afforded NCS and private stakeholders the opportunity of robust interactions, questions and answers also featured the participation of other government agencies like the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPA).