Customs Assures Support for NEPPC Export Operations

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged full support for Nigerian commodities export operations. During a courtesy visit to Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) headquarters in Lagos, he assured the management of Customs’ cooperation.

He also visited the NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC), reaffirming that the project aligns with national economic goals.

The CGC was accompanied by senior officials, including ACG Charles Orbih and Comptroller MT Awe of the Cargo Terminal Command.

Others in the delegation included Comptroller EJ Harisson, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, and other top figures from Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Mr. Adeniyi emphasized that the role of Customs goes beyond revenue collection. It must support ventures that generate foreign exchange.

He stated, “Whatever enhances the economy, especially exports, deserves our backing. I support this fully because of its long-term value.”

Consequently, he directed the Cargo Terminal Command’s Controller, Mr. MT Awe, to streamline Customs procedures at the NEPPC.

This move will ensure the facility operates at full capacity to process outbound agricultural and non-oil exports seamlessly.

NAHCO’s NEPPC was commissioned in 2024 as a strategic initiative to enhance Nigeria’s export competitiveness in global markets.

The project promotes job creation and ensures that Nigerian exports meet global packaging and processing benchmarks.

Mr. Adeniyi noted the Centre’s potential to transform airport cargo handling by ensuring compliance with international standards.

He said Customs is committed to facilitating operations like NEPPC that improve Nigeria’s trade and export environment.

Responding to the CGC, NAHCO’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, expressed delight at the visit and reassurance.

He said the Centre reflects NAHCO’s commitment to improving Nigerian commodities export operations at global standards.

He emphasized that perishables would now be processed at NEPPC, freeing space in the main export shed.

According to him, this will increase capacity, reduce delays, and improve the quality of Nigerian agro-exports at international airports.

Mr. Olumekun was joined by the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju, and other senior executives during the visit.

Also present were the General Manager, External Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, and the Head of Cargo Services, Mr. Oluwole Olalandu.

Mr. Olumekun said NEPPC was built to ensure packaging standards that would make Nigerian products globally acceptable.

He added that Customs’ support was vital to the Centre’s long-term success and alignment with international export norms.

The visit is a major morale boost for NAHCO, whose ambition is to create a world-class export hub in Lagos.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, export-driven infrastructure like NEPPC will become increasingly essential.

Moreover, Mr. Adeniyi reiterated that such centers provide credible avenues to earn foreign exchange and improve compliance.

Transitioning to global export protocols requires partnership between private operators and regulatory agencies like Customs.

In this regard, NAHCO’s initiative, backed by Customs, provides a viable blueprint for sustainable export development in aviation.

By ensuring seamless processing, packaging, and quality control, the NEPPC raises the bar for Nigeria’s global trade participation.

Thus, the collaboration underscores the significance of enhancing Nigerian commodities export operations as a national economic strategy.

Ultimately, with improved packaging, faster processing, and full Customs backing, Nigeria stands to gain more ground in export markets.

This partnership also reinforces the role of airport logistics in accelerating non-oil export growth in the years ahead.

With consistent government and private sector collaboration, Nigeria can improve its export profile significantly.

As NEPPC goes full blast, Nigeria’s agricultural products and processed goods will have stronger visibility in competitive markets.

The Customs Chief’s endorsement signals a pivotal shift toward coordinated trade facilitation and standards compliance across Nigeria’s export chain.