Nigeria Customs Launches Advance Ruling System for Effective Trade Facilitation

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has in conjunction with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), launched an auspicious scheme aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and creating a more transparent business environment for the Service’s stakeholders in trade space, named Advance Ruling.

Speaking at the venue of the launch of the project on Thursday, 2nd May 2024, at Envoy Avenue in Abuja, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi described ‘Advanced Ruling’ as a critical mechanism that allows traders to obtain binding decisions from Customs administrations on the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation.

While appreciating the stakeholders and partners for gracing the event,  Adeniyi stressed that the project will also serve as a tool for reducing compliance costs and fostering a conducive business environment for traders.

“Today, we shall be taking the first step towards launching the Nigeria Customs Service Advance Ruling, starting with stakeholder engagement”, he said.

The CGC further notes that the project aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and emphasised its relevance in facilitating both domestic and international trade while also promoting Customs compliance.

“According to the WCO and the WTO, Advanced Ruling enhances predictability and transparency in customs procedures, streamlining trade processes and minimising delays, uncertainties, and costs associated with Customs clearance.”

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the ground to enhance the economy of Nigeria and supporting the Service, the NCS boss explained that the launch of Advanced Ruling at this time aligns with the policy directive of President Tinubu’s administration to facilitate trade for legitimate traders.

“This is reflected in the Policy Advisory Document of the government, which signifies recent achievements, such as the approval to decongest the ports and make them free and accessible for importers and operators.”

While championing the laying of a foundation for Advance Ruling to enhance trade in Nigeria, the CGC revealed that the Service has made all arrangements to conduct workshops and sensitisation sessions at Customs Area Commands to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared to utilise this new mechanism effectively.

He, however, applauded the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and other partners for their unwavering partnership and continued support of achieving a significant milestone in trade facilitation activities under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme.

“It is essential to acknowledge that initiatives like Advanced Ruling necessitate investments in capacity building for both officers and stakeholders. We are committed to leveraging our internal capacity while exploring collaboration opportunities with external partners like GIZ”, he said.

In a related development, the CGC on Monday 29 April 2024, in Abuja, collaborated with the Abdulsamad Rabiu Initiative Africa (ASR Africa) to actualise humanitarian intervention projects in Africa.

During a meeting with the ASR Africa team at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Adeniyi commended the organisation for its progress while pledging his full support to work with the foundation.

He said, “I want to appeal to other stakeholders whose operations we impact and those who impact ours to partner with us to see how we can collaborate to enhance our operations in places that need interventions.

“There are other critical aspects of our operations for which we do not have adequate resources, and when we have interventions like this, it will go a long way. Since the welfare of NCS is your concern, the growth of ASR Africa will be of premium importance to us.”

He expressed readiness to submit whatever has been decided, adding, “It will be my pleasure to be at the groundbreaking event not just to show how happy we are but to express our gratitude to the foundation.”

The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udo, stated that the organisation is a personal initiative that intervenes in the area of health, education, and social development with an annual budget of 100 million dollars.

The ASR Africa boss revealed that the organisation seeks a partnership with NCS to achieve an environment that is safe and secure, developed, and better understands border integrity and security.

He also invited the Comptroller-General of Customs to the groundbreaking ceremony of a hospital construction for the Nigeria Customs Service in Bauchi.