By Esther Onyegbula

The Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA, has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, for what it described as the agency’s remarkable commitment to trade facilitation, innovation and modernisation of customs operations aimed at improving cross-border commerce and economic growth.

BACCIMA President, Alhaji Yahaya Idris, gave the commendation at the conclusion of the maiden edition of the BACCIMA Trade Fair held at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

The trade fair, which began on May 8 and ended on May 17, attracted stakeholders from the maritime, logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, MSMEs and cross-border trade sectors.

Speaking at the close of the event, Idris praised the Customs boss for introducing reforms and technology-driven initiatives that had significantly improved ease of doing business across Nigeria’s borders.

According to him, the reforms have enhanced revenue generation, strengthened border security management and boosted cross-border trade activities.

“The chamber particularly acknowledged the Service’s efforts and very good cordial relationship with BACCIMA and continuous engagement with the business community.

“These have collectively contributed to improving trade efficiency and boosting investors’ confidence in trade formalisation, which is one of the core objectives of BACCIMA,” he said.

Idris added that the Nigeria Customs Service had continued to demonstrate professionalism and strategic leadership in supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through improved trade administration and border operations.

He also applauded the participation of the Comptroller-General, represented at the opening ceremony by Assistant Comptroller-General M. Babandede, Coordinator Zone A, alongside the Customs Area Controller of Seme Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, and other senior customs officers.

According to him, their presence added immense value to discussions on regional trade integration, cross-border commerce and economic development within the Badagry corridor and beyond.
“All these are in consonance with the aims and objectives of ECOWAS and AfCFTA protocols,” Idris stated.

The BACCIMA president further noted that ongoing border security innovations and reforms by the Customs Service were helping to position Nigeria as a competitive trade and investment destination in Africa.

He said the initiatives were also encouraging stronger collaboration between government agencies and the organised private sector.
Idris urged cross-border traders, intending importers and exporters to adhere strictly to proper documentation procedures at border posts to encourage seamless operations and improve ease of doing business.

He also advised traders to formalise their businesses to enjoy the preferential trade benefits provided under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.

He called for sustained partnership and synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service, other government agencies and stakeholders in the commerce and industry sector to deepen trading opportunities and drive economic growth.

Idris expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Cooperative and Investment, the management of the Lagos International Trade Fair, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, exhibitors, partners, government agencies and participants for their support toward the successful hosting of the trade fair.

He reaffirmed BACCIMA’s commitment to promoting enterprise development, regional trade cooperation and investment opportunities aimed at advancing sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.