The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it will establish an analytical laboratory for testing imported and exported goods.
The Comptroller General (C-G) of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this during a press briefing on the service`s activities in the first quarter of 2024 on Wednesday in Abuja.
Adeniyi said the service was determined to ensure standard goods in the country, and in view of that, the NCS Analytical Laboratory would take effect in the second and third quarters of the year.
He said the move was aimed at ensuring compliance with customs regulations by providing accurate and reliable testing and analysis of the goods.
“The laboratory will conduct various tests to determine the authenticity, composition, quality, and safety of goods, including testing for chemical composition, product integrity, and adherence to regulatory standards.
“Leveraging state-of-the art technology and expertise, aided by the Customs Analytical Laboratory, is expected to enhance NCS’s capacity to detect and prevent smuggling, counterfeit goods, and other illicit activities.
“Thereby safeguarding public health, safety, and economic interests. Additionally, it facilitates trade by expediting clearance, “he said.
Adeniyi said that Customs was open to collaboration.
He said where they did not have specified laboratories for their investigations, they would collaborate with government agencies such as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, as well as academic laboratories in institutions.
The NCS`s boss said that the laboratories would be established in various regions, particularly in port regions such as Lagos, Port-Harcout, and possibly in Kano, with a central analytical laboratory in Abuja.
He said that the NCS launched some programmes in the quarter, such as the Time Release Study (TRS), aimed at identifying bottlenecks in the clearance process.
He said that the TRS would enable the implementation of measures to promote transparency and commitment among key stakeholders and enhance trade facilitation.
He said that the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, an initiative endorsed by the World Customs Organization, would be launched by the service in April.
According to the C-G, participants of the programme stand to benefit from expedited customs clearance processes, reduced inspections, priority treatment, and enhanced predictability in customs
He said that the NCS was determined to address smuggling activities through strengthening its anti-smuggling operations using innovations such as the Geographic Information System
According to him, the reopening of the northern border with Niger Republic was expected to address smuggling activities and boost trading activities in the region.(NAN)
