Capacity Building Takes Centre Stage as NCS Hosts WCO, JICA Workshop on African Rules of Origin
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has commenced a five-day workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of Customs operatives across Africa in implementing the rules of origin.
The event, which began on Thursday, 28 November 2024, underscores the commitment of international organisations to fostering intra-African trade through targeted training initiatives.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, formally declared the workshop open, highlighting its significance in empowering Customs officers to effectively implement trade protocols.
Addressing journalists, she stated, “The European Union and the World Customs Organisation signed a partnership agreement for a comprehensive programme that would foster the full implementation and application of the rules of origin in Africa.
“This programme, known as the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, enhances the capacity of Africa and supports the implementation and application of rules of origin to boost intra-African trade. That is the whole rationale.”
The workshop is part of the broader EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, designed to equip Customs officers with the technical knowledge required to navigate the complexities of origin certification and compliance, ultimately promoting regional trade.
Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator, reiterated the critical nature of the programme.
She emphasised that rules of origin serve as a cornerstone for facilitating trade, urging participants from the 26 countries represented to focus on mastering modern technicalities.
Mathenge also lauded the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in prioritising capacity building.
“I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which is the bedrock that will enable his officers to implement procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance,” Mathenge remarked.
She assured attendees of the WCO’s continued support for the NCS through tailored training initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
The workshop highlights the importance of cross-border collaboration and technical expertise in fostering a thriving trade ecosystem within the African continent.
With a focus on the effective implementation of rules of origin, the event is poised to bolster Africa’s capacity to streamline trade and ensure compliance with global trade standards.
As the five-day event progresses, participants are expected to gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to strengthen their roles in advancing intra-African trade.
