Nigeria has signed Cooperation and Mutual
Assistance Agreement on Customs Matters with Argentina and the United States of
America in a bid to forge a strong counter force against smuggling.
Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde
Abdullahi was at the head of a delegation to the two countries expressed
optimism expressed optimism that the agreements would boost anti smuggling
activities in Nigeria and enhance regional security.
Cooperation between Customs administrations is a
major pillar recommended by the World Customs Organization to operate a modern
and effective customs service
The agreement with. Argentina is particularly
important to Nigeria's battle against Drugs trafficking particularly as
Argentina remains a major drug trafficking route via Nigeria.
Interestingly a large percentage of Nigerians in
Prison in the South American country are there on charges relating to drug
trafficking.
Mindful of the importance of these agreements
Nigeria's Comptroller General of Customs noted that the agreement demonstrated
the commitment of the customs agencies of both countries to forge a formidable
partnership in tackling trans-border crimes.
His counterpart in Argentina the Director General
of the Argentine Revenue Service was upbeat that these discussions that started
two years ago had been successfully concluded.
Meanwhile, the trip to Washington DC was a mere
formality as the agreement on Customs matters had been concluded last year and
it only needed Nigeria's Comptroller General of Customs and the US Acting
Commissioner of Customs and Border protection to come together.
The US Acting Commissioner expressed optimism that
the agreement would open a vista of opportunities for partnership between the
countries.
The Acting Director of International Affairs for
Homeland Security Peter Vincent agrees, acknowledging the cooperation and
support the US had enjoyed in previous operations in Nigeria.
Mr Abdullahi for his part was confident the
agreement would provide a structured approach to consolidate the partnership
already in existence between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and the
United States.
These agreements signed demonstrate the importance
of Nigeria to the two countries in question but may not answer questions about
the success of the Nigeria Customs Service in modernizing its operations in the
country.
The Customs Service remains the top revenue
spinner amongst government agencies in the country often surpassing targets
given to it by government.
But many say the Customs service has not
been able to effectively police the nation's borders and close loopholes in the
application of customs and duties while 24 hours ports operations remain a
mirage despite the mandate given to the Service and the Nigeria Ports Authority.
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