The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), has initiated a groundbreaking project named Advance Ruling, aimed at bolstering trade facilitation and fostering a more transparent business environment for stakeholders in the trade sector.
During the launch event held on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, at
Envoy Avenue in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
underscored the significance of advance ruling. He described it as a pivotal
mechanism enabling traders to secure binding decisions from Customs
administrations regarding the classification, origin, and valuation of goods
before importation.
CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to stakeholders and partners
for their presence, highlighting that the project launch will reduce compliance
costs and promote a favourable business climate for traders.
He remarked, “Today, we shall be taking the first step
towards launching the Nigeria Customs Service Advance Ruling, starting with
stakeholder engagement.”
Recognising the project’s alignment with the World Customs
Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), CGC Adeniyi
emphasised its role in facilitating both domestic and international trade while
enhancing Customs compliance.
He added, “According to the WCO and the WTO, Advance Ruling
enhances predictability and transparency in customs procedures, streamlining
trade processes and minimising delays, uncertainties, and costs associated with
Customs clearance.”
Adeniyi lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his
commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s economy and supporting the Service. He noted
that the launch of Advance Ruling coincides with President Tinubu’s
administration’s policy directive to facilitate legitimate trade. “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,” he highlighted.
As the Customs chief spearheaded the implementation of
Advance Ruling to bolster trade in Nigeria, he disclosed plans to conduct
workshops and sensitisation sessions at Customs Area Commands. These
initiatives aim to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and prepared
to effectively utilise the new mechanism.
CGC Adeniyi extended appreciation to the German
International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and other partners for their unwavering
support in achieving significant milestones in trade facilitation activities
under the Nigeria Energy Support Programme. He stressed the importance of
investing in capacity building for both officers and stakeholders, reaffirming
the Service’s commitment to leveraging internal capabilities and exploring
collaboration opportunities with external partners like GIZ.
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