Customs CG hails BAT Nigeria’s compliance, seeks better industry ties

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has emphasized the importance of stronger ties between customs officials and the manufacturing sector to enhance revenue collection, trade facilitation, investment, and exports. During a visit to BAT Nigeria's manufacturing facility in Ibadan, Adeniyi inspected the company's operations and discussed customs compliance and manufacturing competitiveness with its management.

Reflecting on the plant's transformation over the past 23 years, Adeniyi expressed delight at the continuous positive evolution of the facility, highlighting the impact of sustained investment in Nigeria.

The Customs chief praised BAT Nigeria's high level of compliance in importation, factory, and excise operations, noting the company's transparency and governance. Adeniyi underscored the Customs Service's focus on balancing revenue collection with trade facilitation to create a conducive environment for compliant businesses. He also endorsed BAT Nigeria's participation in the Authorized Economic Operator programme, describing the company as a strong candidate based on its compliance record.

The Customs Service pledged support for the expansion of Nigerian-made products into international markets and pledged to facilitate legitimate exports.

BAT Nigeria's Managing Director, Yarub Al-Bahrani, emphasized the significance of industry-government collaboration in strengthening domestic manufacturing and economic activity. He highlighted the company's investments in manufacturing infrastructure and the jobs supported by its operations. BAT Nigeria's engagement with customs goes beyond regulatory compliance, encompassing cooperation on sustainable manufacturing, trade, and economic development.

The visit followed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Customs Service and BAT Nigeria, outlining a framework for intelligence sharing, capacity building, coordinated enforcement, and regulatory compliance.