The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have agreed to join forces towards ensuring smooth clearance of cargo at the nation’s seaports and border posts.
This development came to light on Thursday when the Director-General of SON, Farouk Salim, led the organisation’s management team on a visit to the Customs Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd) in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, the SON Director-General emphasised the strategic role played by NCS in the fight against the importation of substandard and dangerous products.
He also acknowledged the support accorded his organisation while requesting for more strategic engagement.
In his response, Ali said synergy between government agencies at the ports will enhance efficiency and protect the citizens from harmful goods.
He urged SON to upgrade its IT infrastructure to enable an interface with Customs’ NICIS II platform.
The Portway had reported the news of SON accusing the NCS of not allowing it take part in joint examination at the nation’s seaports which the NCS debunked in an official statement.
Director General Mallam Farouk had accused the NCS of being responsible for revenue losses, the preponderance of fake and substandard products, and also hinted that officials of SON were routinely excluded from joint examinations by officers of the NCS.
This collaboration no doubt will put the accusations to rest.
