The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has said that with the complexities of modern trade, traditional evaluation methods often fall short in accurately identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies across the trading environment.
Adeniyi said this recently in Lagos when the NCS joined European countries, the United States of America, and other countries in Asia to launch the Trade Release Study, which aimed to facilitate trade.
The launch of the TRS by customs, in collaboration with the World Trade Organisation, was aimed at increasing efficiency in Nigerian ports.
The TRS methodology offers a systematic and precise analysis to identify areas for improvement with accuracy.
According to Adeniyi, the platform, which is a scientific approach, enhances the credibility and reliability of “our findings, ensuring that efforts to optimise trade facilitation are targeted and effective”.
He stressed that embracing those methodologies allowed stakeholders to collaboratively work towards enhancing trade efficiency and promoting broader economic development.
The customs boss explained that the dynamic and rapidly changing environment required swift and adaptable responses to the needs as they arose.
“With the complexities of modern trade, traditional evaluation methods often fall short in accurately identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies across the entire trading environment. Adopting a scientific and data-driven approach is paramount, not only for customs administrations; but also for all stakeholders involved in international trade,” he said.
The customs boss noted that the initiative was a critical step in optimising the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria.
He noted, “It is a strategic endeavour aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development.”
Adeniyi noted that the NCS is keenly aware of the impact of its operational environment on its activities, “which is why we are committed to exploring ways to alleviate difficulties faced by citizens.”
