By Michael Eboh

The Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, has stated that the electronic Certificate of Origin (eCertify) will help block revenue leakages in the country and also put an end to the falsification of export documentations.

In a statement in Abuja, Vice President NACCIMA, Mr. Billy Harry, disclosed that with the introduction of eCertify, the Chamber was helping the Federal Government to save revenue that would have been lost to sharp practices in the area of exports, while it would also help in ensuring a positive image for the country.

He said, “We are helping the government to save revenue and also to boost our image. This is most critical to be able to enhance the image of Nigeria. If prior to now, exporters are short-changing the Nigeria Customs Service, this process will ensure that the short-changed amount is put in the coffers of the Customs.  This is because now, you cannot declare your goods falsely.”

Harry further stated that eCertify would ensure that the quality of Nigeria’s exports meet international standard while also providing accurate export data to the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS.

According to him, NACCIMA wants export business to be the next major revenue earner for Nigeria and going forward, it is going to campaign for agriculture and export as a complimentary value for oil and gas.

He said, “And of course, eCertify would create opportunity for more jobs and boost the employment situation in Nigeria, because the more quality goods we are exporting, the more that particular business would expand. And the more that business expands, the more it creates room for additional staff which is what we need to engage our teeming youths.”

Continuing, he said, “The Certificate of Origin is now targeted as the last of the export document required to be sure the quality meet international standard, especially the importing standards of the receiving country. The certification is easily verifiable.