Customs Backs NAHCO’s Export Drive, Assures Full Support for Commodity Processing Centre

Customs Backs NAHCO’s Export Drive, Assures Full Support for Commodity Processing Centre
From left: Comptroller E.J. Harisson, CAC, MMIA Command; Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, GMD/CEO, NAHCO Plc; CGC Adewale Adeniyi; ACG Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A; and Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, GM, External Affairs, NAHCO Plc, during the CGC’s visit to NAHCO Head Office and the NEPPC.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged full institutional support for the operations of the NAHCO Export Packaging & Processing Centre (NEPPC), describing the initiative as a transformative step in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil exports and promoting economic growth.

Mr. Adeniyi made this commitment on Thursday during a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and a tour of the NEPPC facility in Lagos.

He was accompanied by a high-powered Customs delegation, including Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A; Mr. M.T. Awe, Comptroller, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (Hajj & Cargo Terminal); Comptroller E.J. Harisson of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command; Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A; and other senior officials.

Speaking during the visit, the CGC commended NAHCO’s investment and commitment to developing a world-class export centre, noting that such an initiative aligns with the country’s strategic objective to grow its export capacity and earn vital foreign exchange.

“I commend what you are doing here. And whatever you are doing, and it is improving the economy of the country, especially exports, I am all for it,” Adeniyi stated. “As the head of the Nigeria Customs Service and even as a private citizen, having seen the extent of investment in this facility, I believe it is my duty to support its full operation.”

To ensure the swift commencement of full operations at the centre, Adeniyi instructed the Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of the Cargo Terminal Command, Mr. M.T. Awe, to finalise the necessary procedures and expedite the activation of the NEPPC.

The CGC further emphasised that the Customs Service is not solely focused on revenue generation but is equally committed to supporting business initiatives that foster job creation, economic diversification, and international trade.

He added that the NCS has a vested interest in cargo processing centres that are designed to uphold global standards of compliance, packaging, and documentation.

In response, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO Plc, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, expressed profound appreciation for the visit, describing it as a morale boost for the company’s ongoing efforts to revolutionise agro-export logistics through the nation’s airports.

According to him, “The establishment of the NEPPC is our response to the need for properly packaged and globally acceptable Nigerian commodities. This centre will help ensure that perishables and other exports meet international standards and open new opportunities for Nigerian producers.”

Olumekun explained that moving perishable cargo processing to the NEPPC will create additional capacity within the NAHCO export shed, thereby enhancing overall cargo throughput and efficiency.

Accompanying the GMD during the visit were Mr. Adeoye Emiloju, Chief Financial Officer of NAHCO; Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, General Manager of External Affairs; and Mr. Oluwole Olalandu, Head of Cargo Services.

Commissioned in 2024, the NEPPC represents a strategic investment aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

The facility was developed to streamline export procedures, enforce high packaging standards, and improve the quality assurance of Nigerian goods destined for international markets.

With this backing from the NCS, stakeholders say the centre is now well positioned to become a model for export processing across the continent.

Tersoo Agber

Journalist, Travel enthusiast, PR consultant, Content manager/editor, Online publisher.

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