The Edo/Delta Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to trade facilitation, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency during a stakeholder engagement with Life Flour Mills and Rubis Asphalt Nigeria Limited, followed by an inspection of its Sapele Outstation in Delta State.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Dominic Ortsen, led a delegation to the two manufacturing companies and the outstation to strengthen collaboration with the private sector, assess operational activities and improve service delivery.
During the visits to Life Flour Mills and Rubis Asphalt Nigeria Limited, the delegation toured relevant sections of the facilities and met with company representatives to discuss customs procedures, importation, documentation, revenue collection, and compliance with established regulations. Ortsen reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and addressing operational challenges through sustained stakeholder engagement.
“We remain committed to facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening stakeholder relations and ensuring compliance with customs regulations to improve service delivery,” Ortsen said.
The General Manager of Life Flour Mills, Alexander Verhees, thanked the delegation for the visit and highlighted operational challenges related to draft and breakwater issues. He said, “We appreciate the visit and remain open to communication with Customs to address operational challenges and promote transparency, efficiency and compliance in trade operations.”
In a related development, Ortsen inspected the command’s Sapele Outstation to assess its facilities, operational activities and working environment. He also interacted with officers on duty to identify areas needing attention and strengthen field-level supervision.
Ortsen emphasised vigilance, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism, urging officers to follow established operational procedures and remain committed to the Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The engagements underscored the importance of cooperation between Customs and the manufacturing sector in promoting lawful business activities, while regular inspections help identify operational challenges and improve service delivery.
