By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone ‘C’, has convened an interactive stakeholder workshop aimed at streamlining customs procedures, enhancing trade facilitation and addressing operational bottlenecks affecting activities within the Tinapa Free Trade Zone.
City Business News reports that the workshop, held at the NCS Zone ‘C’ headquarters in Port Harcourt, brought together Customs officials, the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), the Tinapa Zone Administrator and licensed customs agents.
In a statement signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Aondoakura Dzungwenen, on behalf of the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Pascal Chibuoke, the Service reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a transparent and predictable trading environment while safeguarding national economic security and revenue.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General Constantine Dim, in charge of Excise, Free Trade Zones and Industrial Incentives, stressed the importance of free trade zones to Nigeria’s economic development.
He urged stakeholders to familiarise themselves with existing guidelines and regulatory requirements, noting that strict adherence would help minimise disputes, delays and sharp practices.
Also speaking, ACG Pascal Chibuoke, Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘C’, described Tinapa as strategically important to the economy of Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
He said efficient customs procedures were essential to creating an enabling environment capable of attracting foreign investment and promoting economic activities within the zone.
During a technical session, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Dennis Ituma urged stakeholders to study Sections 134–143 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, alongside the legislation establishing the Tinapa Free Trade Zone.
He also outlined standard import and export documentation requirements, including the need for properly designated bills of lading for Tinapa consignments and strict compliance with approved business lines.
The workshop also addressed concerns raised by stakeholders over delays in transfer orders, documentation discrepancies and cargo escort procedures.
Customs management advised operators experiencing such challenges to provide concrete evidence, including submission timestamps, to enable the Service identify specific points of failure and hold responsible officers accountable.
At the end of the engagement, Customs officials, NEPZA, the Tinapa Zone Administrator and licensed agents pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve compliance and enhance communication among stakeholders.
The stakeholders expressed a joint commitment to resolving identified operational challenges and restoring the Tinapa Free Trade Zone to full economic productivity.
