Business

NCS builds lab to tackle counterfeit goods, smuggling

THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the process of establishing a laboratory to tackle counterfeiting and other forms of infractions.

This is contained in a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada (CSP), on Sunday in Abuja.

Maiwada said the Acting Comptroller-General (C-G) of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who had commenced the process, was committed to deploying necessary strategies to enhance customs operations.

According to him, the laboratory will be equipped to deliver precise identification, verification and classification of goods.

He said: “The NCS laboratory will provide comprehensive solutions to address challenges such as counterfeit goods, smuggling and non-compliant imports. This will bolster revenue generation while ensuring the protection of public health and safety”.

Maiwada said the laboratory will further enable efficient enforcement measures and informed decision-making as well as foster an environment of trust and credibility within Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

He pointed out that the laboratory will boost trade competitiveness and national economic growth in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the acting comptroller-general had begun engaging in strategic discussions with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to improve service delivery.

He added that Adeniyi was discussing with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Customs Administration on the matter.

He said: “Acting C-G Adeniyi’s engagements extended to fruitful discussions with relevant experts and donors, focusing on crucial areas. Some of the areas are conducting Time Release Study (TRS), implementing Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, leadership and management development”.

The Customs spokesman said Adeniyi will ensure “cutting-edge technologies while consolidating on previous gains to redefine customs practices”.

The appointment of Acting C-G Adewale Adeniyi was announced on Monday, June 19.

Maiwada explained that “This was while he was attending the Policy Commission and Council meetings of WCO in Brussels, Belgium. Leveraging this global platform, the Acting C-G engaged in topical discussions within the global Customs community.

“He advocated exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven solutions to enhance communication, decision-making and enforcement operations.”

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE