Shippers’ Council Offers Support To Customs On Cross-border Trade

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) and other border agencies in creating a seamless trade environment.

Speaking against the backdrop of the service’s continued efforts to promote efficient cross-border trade and foster inter-agency collaboration, the executive secretary of the council, Dr Pius Akutah, said the council is ready to promote economic development.

Dr Akutah, who was represented by the deputy director of Trade Services, Adaora Nwonu, when he paid a working visit to the Idiroko Command of the Service, Ogun State, said the engagement focused on strengthening operational ties, identifying joint strategies to address trade barriers, and reinforcing ethical practices along the corridor.

Discussions also explored the role of both agencies in streamlining border processes and supporting the federal government’s goal of boosting regional commerce.

The council’s boss also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the service to advance cross-border trade facilitation and promote economic development.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to supporting Customs and other border agencies in creating a seamless trade environment. We are here to deepen this relationship and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” she stated.

Responding, the command’s customs area controller, Compt. Godwin Otunla commended the council’s active role in promoting trade facilitation across Nigeria.

He noted that customs remain open to collaboration with the NSC and other stakeholders to ensure the smooth movement of goods, curb smuggling, and foster transparency at border points.

As part of the visit, the comptroller led the NSC delegation on a facility tour, including an inspection of the office space allocated to the council for its proposed Border Information Centre—a strategic initiative to improve information flow, transparency, and compliance at the border.

The visit reinforces the NSC’s ongoing drive to engage with key actors in the trade and logistics chain and contribute to the development of a more efficient and accountable port and border ecosystem.