CUSTOMS, NESREA DEEPEN COLLABORATION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). This partnership aims to ensure environmental safety, trade efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
During a courtesy visit by NESREA’s management team to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of inter-agency synergy in achieving national economic and security goals.
“We recognise the importance of collaboration and partnership. Many of us have witnessed the golden era of synergy between Customs and NESREA, whether at seaports or border stations. Our commitment to this partnership remains unwavering,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
He noted that the World Customs Organization consistently advocates for active cooperation among regulatory agencies, highlighting how such partnerships facilitate trade, enforce environmental regulations, and contribute to national security.
The Nigeria Customs Service has made significant strides in recent years, surpassing its 2024 revenue target of N5.1 trillion by November and exceeding N6 trillion by December. These achievements are attributed to enhanced operational efficiency and strategic collaborations, including with NESREA.
“These successes are not just about revenue; they reflect our efforts to create a structured, technology-driven trade environment,” he explained.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi emphasized the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to digital transformation, intelligence gathering, and strategic alliances. He proposed deeper digital integration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to streamline regulatory enforcement. He envisioned a “digital handshake” between the two agencies, enabling seamless data sharing, approvals, and compliance information. This integration aims to enhance environmental protection while improving trade efficiency.
NESREA’s Director-General, Dr. Innocent Barikor, commended Customs for its progressive reforms and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to stronger collaboration. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental regulations, particularly in restricting hazardous imports.
“Customs and NESREA share a common law enforcement responsibility, especially at the nation’s borders,” Dr Barikor stated. He outlined NESREA’s role in enforcing 35 environmental regulations covering air, land and sea pollution and waste management.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, expressed concerns about the rising importation of end-of-life electronics and other environmentally hazardous goods. He said that some organizations are importing goods that no longer meet environmental best practices, particularly electronic waste. He warned that improper disposal of these items poses severe risks to the environment and human health.
To address this issue, Barikor said Customs should enforce restrictions on environmentally unsafe goods and increase participation in environmental advocacy, regulatory policymaking, and compliance monitoring. He highlighted the importance collaboration between NESREA and Customs to strengthen their partnership and improve environmental protection.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). This partnership aims to ensure environmental safety, trade efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
About The Author
