– Urges Customs to collaborate with stakeholders
Vincent Toritseju
Speaking at the ceremony, the coordinator of the economy Mr. Wale Edun who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Lydia Jafai said that the study will create an enabling environment for businesses in addition to providing excellent services.
According to Edun, the country has been contending with issues in the economic environment adding that it has been characterized by heavy reliance on crude oil exports thereby exposing the nation to volatility of global oil price.
He said: “The current trend in the ports brings about lots of delays, increase in cost for businesses. The ports for example experience a lot of challenges of congestion due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of streamline procedures leading to prolonged clearance time for goods which impacts on the overall competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in the global markets.
“In addressing these challenges, comprehensive reforms, investment in modern infrastructure, improved regulatory framework and enhanced transparency and efficiency in the ports and borders control our operations.
“A conducive port environment is crucial for the facilitation of international trade, efficient Customs and other processes are paramount for achieving cost effective goods clearance, minimizing storage, demurrage.
“Moreover, it facilitates a time supplying chain management, reducing the need for excess inventory and improving overall logistics and with this, we are sure of efficiency.
“It is against this background that I welcome the implementation of Time Release Study which will foster a friendly business environment.”
Also speaking at the launch of TRS, Minister of Trade and Investment, Mrs. Doris Uzoka Anite said that the government is steadfast in its commitment to foster an environment conducive to international trade.
Anite also said that the Time Release Study provides us with an opportunity to gain insights into the factors influencing the timely release of goods at border corridors as it will enable us to develop best practices and recommendations.
Speaking in similar vein, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi said that the Nigeria Customs was joining other Customs of the world to promote the growth of international trade.
Adeniyi also said that the TLS is coming with the support of World Customs Organization, WCO make the nation’s seaports more efficient in its operations.
He said: “Today we are joining other Customs Administrations in the world that have embraced the tools developed by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to promote the growth of international trade. The WCO remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing customs procedures through various instruments and tools, such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Among these initiatives is the Time Release Study (TRS), developed to provide comprehensive insights into customs operations’ efficiency.
“Another significant milestone is reached today as we commence the TRS in Nigeria, with TINCAN ISLAND Port serving as our pilot location. The TRS method is a systematic and standardized approach used to measure the total duration of time from the arrival of goods at the customs border until their release.
“This initiative represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimize the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria. It is a strategic endeavour aimed at improving how we facilitate trade, ensuring alignment with international best practices, and contributing substantially to national development. TRS plays a crucial role in assessing and enhancing trade facilitation by providing detailed insights into the efficiency of our processes.
“Our dynamic and rapidly changing environment requires swift and adaptable responses to the needs as they arise. Adopting a scientific and data driven approach is paramount not only for customs administrations but also for all stakeholders involved in international trade. With the complexities of modern trade, traditional evaluation methods often fall short in accurately identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies across the entire trading environment. The TRS methodology offers a systematic and precise analysis, enabling us to identify areas for improvement with accuracy.
“This scientific approach enhances the credibility and reliability of our findings, ensuring that efforts to optimize trade facilitation are targeted and effective. Embracing these methodologies allows stakeholders to collaboratively work towards enhancing trade efficiency and promoting broader economic development.
“In response to the dynamic demands of our environment, fostering cooperation between Customs administrations (C2C) and Customs-to-Business (C2B) interactions is paramount. The WCO provides invaluable platforms for such collaboration, offering capacity building, technical assistance, and best practice sharing. With the expertise of our colleagues present, we are well equipped to support the TRS effectively.
“Reflecting on the historical implementation of TRS in Nigeria adds depth to our understanding of its significance. In 2010, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) underwent a comprehensive TRS conducted by the USAID MARKETS Project, focusing on the Apapa Port and Seme Border. This study employed standardized methodologies and precise time analyses, offering crucial insights into our operational dynamics. Subsequently, some twenty cross-cutting recommendations were made, including the development of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, implementation of a Single Window system, purchase of additional cargo handling equipment, infrastructure repairs at the ports, streamlining of terminal yard logistics, enforcement of truck safety standards, use of more scanners, implementation of paperless clearance, and imposition of penalties to deter non-compliance.
“A second attempt was made in 2018 to conduct another TRS exercise; however, it was unsuccessful due to the lack of proper collaboration among the relevant agencies.
“Today’s exercise builds on the lessons learned from both the 2010 and 2018 attempts. We have made significant progress since then, including the implementation of paperless clearance and advancements in our AEO programs. Additionally, provisions under the new Customs Act now speak to the imposition of penalties to deter non-compliance.
“The need for greater collaboration, underscored by the presence of three Ministers today, is a crucial lesson learned from past exercises.
Recommendations such as the implementation of a Single Window have been longstanding, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts. Today’s TRS promises to take a different dimension, aligned with the President Bola Ahmed “Several other measures have been put in place ahead of today’s exercise, including the revitalization of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and extensive stakeholder engagements resulting in the signing of the Lagos Continental Declaration document. We are pleased to note the timely implementation of these activities, with further evaluations scheduled at the end of the first quarter of this year.
“NCS is keenly aware of the impact of its operational environment on its activities, which is why we are committed to exploring ways to alleviate difficulties faced by citizens. Through a deliberate effort to identify bottlenecks, we aim to gain a better understanding of the measures needed to resolve these issues. By prioritizing efficiency and transparency, we endeavour to enhance the overall experience for traders and stakeholders involved in international trade.
“The launch of the TRS in Lagos today underscores our commitment to improving customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria. In addition to TRS, the NCS is deploying the AEO program, Advanced Ruling, and establishing a Customs Laboratory as part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate trade and improve government revenue. These initiatives are supported by the WCO, further emphasizing our dedication to enhancing trade efficiency and promoting economic growth and national development through collaboration, innovation, and strategic measures.
Involvement with the WCO has been instrumental in ensuring the success of our efforts to modernize customs operations and enhance trade facilitation in Nigeria. With their guidance and assistance, we are confident in our ability to effectively implement these strategic measures and achieve our shared goals of promoting efficient and transparent trade practices for the benefit of our nation and its stakeholders.
“This collaborative approach holds promising potential as it strengthens our collective efforts. Evolving from a Customs-driven TRS to a Nationally driven engagement open doors to collaborative brainstorming and idea-sharing among stakeholders. Furthermore, this approach serves to bolster our internal capacity, as successful implementation at TINCAN Island Port can pave the way for replication in other ports across the country.”