The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has called for continued collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to drive inclusive economic growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and improve the overall business climate.
NECA President, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoye, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Okoye said the visit aimed to strengthen existing ties around trade facilitation and private sector development. He noted that with over 4,000 member companies and 30 industrial associations, NECA remains committed to advocating for a more enabling and competitive business environment.
“We are here today not only to deepen our engagement with the NCS but also to commend the significant milestones achieved under your leadership,” Okoye said. “These successes reflect a strong commitment to reform, operational excellence, and enhanced service delivery.”
He praised the recent suspension of the Free on Board (FOB) policy directive, describing it as a responsive move that showed the Service’s willingness to engage with the private sector.
Highlighting trade facilitation tools such as Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study, Okoye said these reforms had reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and lowered costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“These initiatives are not just policy documents; they’re tangible reforms that benefit Nigerian businesses, especially SMEs,” he said.
In response, Comptroller-General Adeniyi thanked the NECA delegation for its visit and recognition of the Service’s reforms. He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and private sector collaboration.
“At Customs, we understand that our actions – or inaction – impact the business environment. That’s why we prioritise trade facilitation and active stakeholder dialogue,” he said.
Adeniyi assured that the NCS would continue to simplify processes and strengthen partnerships with the business community to create a thriving trade ecosystem.
