NECA, Customs pledge to strengthen trade ties, support SMEs

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade ties and supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) as a pathway to inclusive economic growth.

This pledge was made during a courtesy visit by NECA’s leadership to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, at the Customs headquarters in Abuja, where both parties emphasized the importance of collaboration in enhancing trade competitiveness and reducing barriers for businesses.

President of NECA, Ifeanyi Okoye, who led the delegation, said the visit was aimed at deepening existing partnerships on trade facilitation and reinforcing the private sector’s role in economic development.

He noted that with over 4,000 member-companies and 30 industrial affiliates, NECA remained dedicated to fostering a more enabling and competitive business environment that supports SMEs and drives national growth.

“We are here today not only to deepen our engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service but also to commend the significant achievements recorded under your leadership.

“These milestones reflect a clear commitment to reform, operational excellence, and service delivery,” Okoye said.

He particularly lauded the suspension of the Free on Board (FOB) policy directive, calling it a proactive response to the concerns of organised businesses and a demonstration of the Service’s willingness to engage with stakeholders.

Okoye expressed hope for continued dialogue to ensure that policies were developed in partnership with the private sector for shared prosperity.

He also highlighted key trade facilitation tools introduced by the NCS, such as the Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study.

These reforms, he noted, had significantly reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Okoye emphasised that these initiatives had contributed to cost reduction for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), directly supporting Nigerian businesses.

“These reforms are not just policies on paper; they are impactful initiatives directly supporting Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs.

“We look forward to continued engagement with the NCS to promote inclusive growth, enhance trade competitiveness, and strengthen the economy,” Okoye added.

In his response, Adeniyi thanked the NECA delegation for their visit and recognition of the Service’s efforts.

He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to create a more inclusive trade environment.

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“I am always glad to partner with private enterprises. At Customs, we understand that our actions or inaction directly impact the business environment.

“This is why we place great importance on trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement,” Adeniyi said.

He assured the delegation that the NCS would continue collaborating with the business community to simplify processes, ensure compliance, and create a better ecosystem for Nigerian businesses to thrive.