Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret. ), the president, stated in Abuja on Tuesday that the emergence of increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods and the ensuing security challenges necessitate a strong and responsive Customs administration.
Adding that it would improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administration, he claimed that this clarified why he had signed the new Customs Act into law.
“The demand for a strong and responsive Customs administration is driven by the recent rise in transnational crimes, smuggling, and security risks. At the opening of the Nigerian Customs Service’s new Customs House headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Buhari declared, “I am fully aware of these difficulties and the urgent need to address them.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Tuesday titled: ‘New Customs Act will enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, says President Buhari.’
Buhari was reported as stating in the release, “We are all aware of the challenges encountered by our Customs department, notably the issue of unstable borders that create possibilities for illicit operations.I’m happy to note that I recently signed the Customs Bill into law as part of our commitment to improving the efficacy and efficiency of our Customs administration. The new Act, the result of lengthy discussions and consultations, is a significant step in streamlining our regulatory systems, enhancing our customs operations, and fostering trade facilitation.
Buhari praised Col. Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of Customs, for carrying out the 2015 mission that was given to him.
“Over the years, he has earned my trust and support through his selfless service, and relentless pursuit of excellence without compromising his personal integrity,” he said
In her remarks, Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, who also serves as the organization’s Board Chair, said that the Customs House represents the Service’s unwavering commitment to enhancing its operations and its readiness to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
