Comptroller Alkali Calls for Stakeholder Collaboration to Boost Economic Growth in Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone
In a bid to enhance trade facilitation and regulatory compliance, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, has reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a seamless business environment within the Zone.
In a strategic move to strengthen collaboration, he recently engaged key government agencies, enterprises, shipping companies, and associations operating within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
The interactive session, aimed at improving operational synergy, brought together stakeholders from critical sectors, including the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Eastern Ports Command, and the Nigeria Immigration Service Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command.
Also present were representatives of major enterprises such as INTELS, Notore Petrochemical Company, Indorama Petrochemical Company, and Total Energies.
Furthermore, shipping companies including OMT and Blue Star Shipping Company, as well as freight forwarders like PrimePort and Quicka, were part of the engagement.
Associations of clearing agents, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), also participated in discussions aimed at strengthening compliance and boosting trade efficiency.
Addressing the gathering, Comptroller Alkali underscored the importance of adhering to trade regulations and urged all enterprises, freight forwarders, and stakeholders to ensure their Single Goods Declaration (SGD) forms are perfected on pre-release approval within fourteen (14) days of transaction.
He stressed that strict compliance with this directive would enable the Command to maintain accurate records, facilitate trade, and ensure seamless operations within the Zone.
Reiterating the Command’s resolve to sustain a business-friendly atmosphere, Comptroller Alkali assured stakeholders of an improved working relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and operators in the Free Trade Zone.
He noted that transparency and regulatory compliance would be key drivers in enhancing economic activities.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of OGFTZA, the General Manager of Operations, Mr. Adekunle Ajayi, welcomed Comptroller Alkali to the Zone and assured him of the agency’s full cooperation in achieving the Command’s objectives.
During the session, stakeholders raised concerns and shared insights on challenges affecting their operations.
Comptroller Alkali took the opportunity to address these issues, demonstrating a keen interest in resolving bottlenecks that could hinder smooth business activities.
With this proactive engagement, Comptroller Alkali has set the stage for stronger collaboration, improved compliance, and enhanced economic activities within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
