…parleys Customs to facilitate trade, boost economic growth
…seeks establishment of NACCIMA-Customs forum to boost public-private partnerships, others
The National President of the Nigerian Association Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye Esq., has said deviation from globally-acclaimed and acceptable standards in the issuance of certificates of origin for goods being traded internationally portends great danger for Nigerian businesses and nation’s economy, noting that such move could deprive the country its ability to compete and attract foreign direct investments.
Oye who spoke during a courtesy call on the Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the chamber will sustain collaboration with customs and other government agencies and parastatals to facilitate trade and boost economic growth.
The NACCIMA boss also called for the establishment of a formal NACCIMA-CUSTOMS forum for public-private sector engagement as well as a Customs-NACCIMA Committee to re-examine the customs appeal procedures in Nigeria pursuant to Chapter 10 of the Revised Kyoto Convention.
Oye said, “I would like to commend the Customs Service for their commendable efforts in promoting trade and economic growth, while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. I appreciate their continuous refinement and improvement to meet the needs of the global trade landscape.
“As the largest organized private sector association in Nigeria, NACCIMA has over 70 City and State Chambers of Commerce, 19 bilateral and multilateral Chambers of Commerce, 450 corporate members, and several other non-profit state actors as members.
“Our primary objective is to promote a favourable business environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. We also present our members’ interests and views to the government and policymakers to influence economic policies that benefit Nigerian businesses.”
He further noted, “I would like to address the issue of the certificate of origin – a document that certifies the origin of the goods being traded internationally. NACCIMA, as a Chamber of Commerce, is globally recognized as the representative of the business community in a specific geographical area. We, therefore, play an important role in the administration of the certificate of origin system by issuing certificates of origin and providing other services to businesses engaged in international trade.
“Recently, we have observed attempts to take over this globally acceptable duty imposed on Chambers of Commerce by the procedure adopted in the issuing of the Certificate of Origin under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. NACCIMA appreciates that the government by treaty can change the rules for issuing certificates of origin.”
Oye added, “However, such deviation from globally-acclaimed and acceptable standards makes certificates issued under such policies unacceptable, depriving Nigeria of the ability to compete and attract foreign direct investment.
“It also places Nigerian businesses at the risk of our goods being rejected, as our colleagues (fellow Chambers of Commerce) in the destination countries may not accord such locally issued certificates recognition, as they were not issued in accordance with globally-recognized and acceptable practices.”
According to him, “We also have several other concerns that we would like to raise with the Service. These include involvement of NACCIMA in the advanced ruling framework, sensitization on the new Customs Act, status of the E-Customs and modernization program, support for the development of E-commerce policy and operations in Nigeria, making NACCIMA a co-designated competent authority with NCS under the AfCFTA Rules of Origin requirements, closer cooperation in the ongoing self-certification pilot scheme with ECOWAS, technical support for NACCIMA Authorized Economic Operators, lack of appeal process on customs duties and rates, support for Economic Free Trade Zones and establishment of a framework for exhibition at trade fairs.
“We request the establishment of a formal NACCIMA-CUSTOMS Forum for public-private sector engagement. We also need the buy-in of the NCS for a joint NCS-NACCIMA Committee to re-examine the customs appeal procedures in Nigeria pursuant to Chapter 10 of the Revised Kyoto Convention.”
He reinstated, “In conclusion, collaboration between different sectors is essential to ensure economic recovery after these difficult times and challenges to businesses and the people. The Customs Service plays an integral part in this recovery, and under Mr. Adeniyi’s leadership, we are confident that the Customs Service will continue to be an essential part of the growth of our economy. We look forward to further collaboration between NACCIMA and the Customs Service to create a prosperous future for all.”
