Customs Calls for Improved Regulatory Compliance to Drive Excise Trade in Nigeria
By Lucy Nyambi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday, 31 October 2024, at the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Regulatory Affairs Workshop (RAW) held in Lagos, called for improved regulatory compliance to boost excise trade in Nigeria.
In a statement signed on 6 November 2024 by Juliana Tomo, Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Industrial Area Command, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by the Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Industrial Command, Comptroller Rebecca Chokor, expressed the Service’s commitment to educating traders on excise regulations, procedures, and their responsibilities to the NCS.
She stated, “This capacity-building initiative aims to support legitimate traders, enhance efficiency, and promote transparency to facilitate trade and ensure revenue collection for the nation.”
Comptroller Chokor encouraged NBC to adhere to established regulations, emphasising that compliance validates business operations. She noted that the NCS is working towards creating a more efficient and transparent system that benefits both the government and the manufacturing sector.
Representatives from the NCS made presentations on modern trade facilitation tools, focusing on enhancing regulatory compliance at NBC. Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Lauretta Utubor delivered a lecture on the Advance Ruling System (ARS), while CSC Nnenna Awa presented data analytics related to Authorized Economic Operators (AEO).
The NBC and other RAW organisers expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts and the insights shared by the NCS, highlighting the potential for innovation in NBC’s operations. NBC representatives affirmed that regulatory compliance remains central to the company’s operations, emphasising their commitment to integrity and the sustainability of their global brand.
