The Federal Government has solicited collaboration from stakeholders towards enhancing the country’s economy by tapping into the maritime sector, valued at over $24 trillion, while supporting 90 per cent of global trade and generating millions of jobs.
It made call at the 2024 International Customs Day held in Lagos with the theme: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.” The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, said that with global world trade valued at $24.9 trillion in 2022, there was a need for strategic collaboration with the critical stakeholders to ensure Nigeria maximises the opportunities in the global trade.
Uzoka-Anite, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, said that at this critical time in the history of the nation.trade is pivotal to economic growth and development and holds the key for revitalisation of the economy.
Uzoka-Anite said it was evident the country could no longer depend on oil alone; hence, trade, particularly the non-oil exports and the repatriation of the export process, holds the key to revitalisation of the economy and will engender economic growth and development as well as help to stabilise the value of the country.
She said for Nigeria to become a key player in international trade, efforts should begin towards building a strong economy, while also pointing at domestic export warehouse, which holds the key to reducing the bottlenecks and logistic challenges faced by exporters.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in his remarks said the recent passage of the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 would create favourable environment for trade and recognise opportunities, address challenges, and encourage partnership between the public and private sectors.
Speaking earlier, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the international celebration demonstrates dedication to consolidating efforts, deploying innovative solutions, and strengthening collaborations to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigerian Customs Service operations.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, said the authority was already recording gains from its renewed collaboration with the Nigerian Customs.
