…Pledges Stronger Trade Ties in Lagos Industrial Hub
By Lucy Nyambi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lagos Industrial Area Command (LIAC), has welcomed a new Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Sarah Wadinda.
According to a press release issued by the command’s public relations officer, Superintendent of Customs Destiny Tomo, Comptroller Wadinda, who took over from retired Comptroller Rebecca Chokor, assumed office on Thursday, 6 February 2025, affirming her commitment to facilitating trade, building on the achievement of her predecessor in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of collaboration, consolidation and innovation.
At her maiden meeting with all Heads of Units of the Command and stakeholders, on Thursday, 13 February 2025, the CAC pledged to strengthen collaboration with excise stakeholders for a better revenue drive in LIAC. She stressed that she would work towards enhancing effective cooperation between the LIAC and excise traders on trade facilitation and excise regulation compliance.
She enjoined all officers and men of the Command to be committed and dedicated in their various schedules towards achieving the CGC’s policy thrust for an enhanced Excise duty collection.
The CAC reminded officers and stakeholders of the command’s responsibilities: “to supervise, collect and account for Excise duty from factories producing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages produced within Lagos State.”
“The Lagos Industrial Area Command monitors the production processes, ensuring compliance with Excise regulations, and facilitates trade by providing necessary support and guidance to Excise traders”, she added.
The Area Controller further encouraged stakeholders to acquire the knowledge of established NCS laws for a seamless excise trade and a stronger trade relationship with the command.
The CAC pledged to build on the legacy of her predecessor and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Customs Service while also operating an open-door policy for both officers and stakeholders.
