The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unequivocally pledged its full support for the newly established NAHCO Export Packaging & Processing Centre (NEPPC), a state-of-the-art facility designed to bolster Nigeria’s commodity exports and ensure adherence to international standards. This commitment was underscored by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during an official visit to the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) headquarters and the NEPPC facility in Lagos. Recognizing the crucial role of non-oil exports in diversifying the Nigerian economy, the Customs chief lauded NAHCO’s initiative and emphasized the NCS’s dedication to facilitating programs that drive economic growth and enhance the nation’s export competitiveness. This pledge of support signifies a proactive approach by the NCS to partner with private sector entities in promoting sustainable economic development beyond mere revenue generation.
Adeniyi’s visit, accompanied by key Customs officials, including ACG Charles Orbih, Comptroller E.J. Harisson, and Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu, further solidified the NCS’s commitment to the NEPPC’s success. He directed the Customs Area Controller of the Cargo Terminal Command to expedite all necessary procedures to enable the NEPPC to commence full operations without delay. This proactive stance demonstrates the NCS’s recognition of the NEPPC’s potential to significantly impact Nigeria’s export sector. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in streamlining processes and removing bureaucratic bottlenecks that can hinder economic progress. The Customs chief emphasized the NCS’s commitment to partnerships that promote global compliance and economic value, indicating a shift towards a more facilitative role in trade and economic activities.
NAHCO’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, expressed gratitude for the timely visit, highlighting its significance as an encouragement for the company’s ongoing efforts to optimize agro-export processes. He described the NEPPC, commissioned in 2024, as a crucial step towards enhancing efficiency at NAHCO’s export shed by handling perishable exports separately from regular cargo. This dedicated handling process will address the specific needs and challenges associated with perishable goods, ensuring their quality and freshness are preserved throughout the export journey. Olumekun emphasized the facility’s adherence to international packaging and quality standards, a critical factor in positioning Nigerian products competitively in the demanding global marketplace.
The NEPPC represents a significant investment in modernizing Nigeria’s export infrastructure and reflects NAHCO’s dedication to supporting Nigerian exporters. By providing a platform for compliance with international standards, the Centre empowers exporters to access global markets with confidence, showcasing the quality and value of Nigerian products. This initiative aligns with the national agenda of diversifying the economy away from oil dependence and promoting non-oil exports as a key driver of economic growth and job creation. The collaboration between NAHCO and the NCS sets a positive precedent for public-private partnerships in driving economic transformation.
The establishment of the NEPPC addresses critical challenges faced by Nigerian exporters, particularly in the agricultural sector. By providing a dedicated facility for packaging and processing perishable goods, the Centre streamlines export operations and reduces post-harvest losses, thereby enhancing the profitability and competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products. The NEPPC’s adherence to international standards also builds trust and confidence among international buyers, opening up new market opportunities for Nigerian exporters and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector. This initiative stands as a testament to the potential of strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors in addressing critical economic challenges.
The collaborative approach between the NCS and NAHCO exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth and development. By aligning their objectives and working together, these entities are creating a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity. The NEPPC serves as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating how joint efforts can address critical challenges and unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth. It underscores the importance of a facilitative regulatory environment and the crucial role of private sector innovation in driving economic diversification and enhancing global competitiveness. The commitment displayed by both the NCS and NAHCO signals a positive trajectory for the Nigerian export sector, paving the way for increased economic activity, job creation, and enhanced global market access for Nigerian products.
