Owerri, Nigeria – July 2025 — Comptroller Mohammed Wadinda of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Imo/Abia Area Command, has called on importers, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders in the trade and logistics sector to fully comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
He made this appeal during a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the Command Headquarters in Owerri. The meeting was convened to sensitize stakeholders on the updated legal framework guiding customs operations and to reinforce the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation and compliance-driven processes.
Comptroller Wadinda emphasized that the newly enacted NCS Act 2023 introduced crucial reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and aligning Nigeria’s customs practices with global standards.
“Compliance with the NCS Act 2023 is not only a legal obligation but also a pathway to efficient trade facilitation. The law provides a modern framework for customs administration, and we urge all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with its provisions to avoid sanctions and delays in cargo clearance,” he stated.
He highlighted key sections of the Act, including updated penalty regimes for infractions, improved dispute resolution channels, streamlined valuation procedures, and enhanced powers for customs officers in enforcing trade laws.
Comptroller Wadinda also assured stakeholders of the Command’s readiness to provide continuous education and support, while calling for collaboration in upholding transparency, accountability, and integrity in trade transactions.
In response, representatives of freight forwarding associations, clearing agents, and logistics operators pledged their cooperation and requested regular training sessions and open communication channels to facilitate a smooth transition under the new law.
The engagement concluded with a consensus on fostering mutual trust and partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and its stakeholders in achieving a compliant, secure, and business-friendly trade environment in the Imo and Abia axis.
