CCC Applaud Nnadi’s Appointment As Chairman, Time Release Studies Committee

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) says the appointment of the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Customs Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, as Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Trade Facilitation/Time Release Study Implementation Committee is reassuring, describing the appointment as a round peg in a round hole.

The announcement coincides with the initiation of Time Release Studies by the NCS, as affirmed by Comptroller General Bashir Adewale during the 2023 CGC conference in Lagos.

The CCC in a statement signed its Secretary, Fwdr. Eugene Nweke Rff said Nnadi’s appointment is a reflection of his meritorious credential and the trust and confidence reposed on him by the leadership of the NCS, and expressed the hope that his appointment will advance the rub off positively on the agenda of the Time Release Study (TRS).

The statement acknowledged Nnadi’s commendable representation of the Service during the government’s port reforms program, particularly during the ports concessions process from 2005 to 2006. It also highlight his outstanding and crusading days as Public Relations Officer both at the Lagos Zonal Headquarters and Apapa Command,  and during the migration from NCS Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) to subsequent systems, notably ASYCUDA 2.7 Site and ASUCUDA ++; which laid the groundwork for NICIS.

Furthermore, the press release highlighted Nnadi’s contributions to the Committee facilitating NCS’s transition from manual to e-Payment with Apapa Command and Ecobank as pilot, alongside his accreditation from the prestigious School Of Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos/Plateau State.

The CCC expressed confidence in Nnadi’s ability to execute the vision and mandate of the Comptroller General Of Customs and his management team, aligning with the administration’s renewed hope mantra, led by His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Addressing the paramount significance of the appointment in advancing the TRADE FACILITATION functions of the Nigeria Customs Service, the CCC urged Nnadi and his committee members to handle their assignment with the diligence, professionalism, passion and utmost commitment he is known for, for the collective good of all.

In particular, the CCC urged the Nnadi led committee to prioritize attention on the following:

– Compliance with international standards outlined in WCO/WTO/UNCTAD recommendations.

– Ensuring security, safety, and fluidity of trade and upholding the model of port value adding supply chain.

– Streamlining legitimate trade facilitation to reduce administrative burdens on businesses.

– Upholding firm regulatory essence and strategic collaboration to safeguard businesses’ interests, particularly in intellectual property rights (IPR).

– Safeguarding revenue, safety, and product quality during international transport and

– Utilizing data analytics for national statistics, planning, forecasting, and administrative goals.

The CCC also urged the committee to seek collaboration in the area of compliance with Customs trade laws and regulations among critical stakeholders, interest groups, the trading public and relevant agencies to ensure for legitimate, smooth flow, and efficient movement of goods during clearance processes.

The statement reads in part:

” It is on this note that, the Customs Consultative Committee ( CCC) deems it necessary to beckon on Business interests/the trading public and relevant agencies to understand the need for prompt collaborations and compliance with the Customs trade laws and regulations in other to ensure the legal, smooth flow and efficient movement of goods during clearance processes.

“The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC), shall continue to upholds to the prism that, under legitimate trade facilitation rules, business interests must embrace all trade facilitation tools with sense of equity. It is also important to state that, protection of National interests are not a mere special treatment , rather in the context of trade facilitation, it could be seen as a deferential and fair treatment for our peculiarities, especially so, as a country with differential capabilities and needs.

“In Conclusion, the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) once again congratulate you and your committee members and pray for God guidance in the discharge of your briefs in this regards,” the statement concludes.