Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Director-General of Algerian Customs, Major General Abdulhafid Bakhouche, has pledged to deepen cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, in training, customs modernisation and trade facilitation.
He made the commitment at the Algerian Customs Service Headquarters in Algiers, where he received students of Senior Course 13 from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, NCCSC, Gwagwalada, at the commencement of their four-day study tour.
Major General Bakhouche assured the delegation of the readiness of his service to support the visit.
“We are fully prepared to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service in strengthening training, enhancing modernisation and improving the facilitation of customs procedures. I urge you to pay attention throughout your stay. My officers are on standby to guide you and ensure the purpose of your tour is achieved,” he said.
The delegation was led by the Commandant of the College, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebanki, who conveyed a message from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. She underscored the importance of strengthening continental cooperation.
“African customs administrations must work together, especially in training, building trade bridges and promoting modernisation that supports seamless trade across our continent. We must continue to see ourselves as brothers and partners, irrespective of differences in culture or background,” Adebanki said.
She also expressed appreciation for the reception extended to the team. “We are grateful to the Director-General of Algerian Customs for the warm welcome accorded to us,” she added.
This year’s study tour is themed “Customs Delivering on Commitment to Efficiency in Securing Oil Exports in Africa.”
At the end of the four-day engagement, the students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of oil export procedures within Algerian Customs, with a view to drawing lessons that can enhance operations in the Nigeria Customs Service.
