By Harriet Tornguvan
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, voiced confidence in Nigeria's Pilot Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, highlighting its alignment with the World Customs Organization's (WCO) objectives to bolster border security and foster sustainable economic growth globally.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during a panel discussion at the 6th World Customs Organization Global Authorized Economic Operators Conference in Shenzhen, China, CGC Adeniyi engaged with esteemed panelists including Sun Yuning, Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), Helena Marla, Director-General of the Tax and Customs Authority of Portugal, Edward Kieswetter, WCO Council Chairperson, and Selina Clerk, Deputy Commissioner Operations of the Jamaica Customs Agency.
Acknowledging the nascent stage of Nigeria's AEO implementation, the Comptroller expressed readiness to enhance Customs officers' capacity in implementing the program effectively.
He emphasized the importance of embracing knowledge to optimize the AEO capacity program, citing its alignment with the economic competitiveness and diversification agenda of Nigeria's government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
CGC Adeniyi also highlighted challenges faced by the Service, such as optimizing stakeholder engagement, urging conference organizers to consider these hurdles.
The conference, held from May 8 to 10, 2024, in Shenzhen, China, was welcomed by Wanga Lingjun, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China.
Ian Sanders, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, commended participating AEO members, characterizing the conference as a platform for fostering transparent, secure, and resilient trade ecosystems.
Sanders, Emphasized the potential of AEO programs to empower women and promote international trade, particularly benefiting operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
In a separate panel discussion on 'Advancing Women's Empowerment through AEO Programs,' CSC Nnenna Awa, the AEO lead at the Nigeria Customs Service, addressed barriers to global trade alongside Customs Agents and Trade Experts from China, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic.
