Nigeria Customs Participates in 74th World Customs Organisation Harmonised System Committee Meeting
A delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Assistant Comptroller Abubakar Hardo, alongside Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ekay Asuquo and CSC Lauretta Utubor, participated in the 74th World Customs Organisation (WCO) Harmonised System Committee (HSC) meeting.
The event, held from 16 to 27 September 2024 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, served as a crucial platform for deliberating on the Harmonised System Nomenclature (HSN) that governs global trade.
The Harmonised System Committee (HSC) is integral to maintaining the HSN, a critical tool that facilitates international trade by providing a standardised system for the classification of goods.
Nigeria’s involvement in the committee is especially significant due to the country’s vast market size and high volume of imports from across the globe, making its contributions vital in shaping global customs policies.
As a key Contracting Party, Nigeria’s role in the discussions reflects its influence on international trade, with the policies developed at such meetings having far-reaching effects on the nation’s customs operations and the broader economy.
The HSC ensures the correct tariff classification of goods, involving meticulous discussions on the descriptions and appropriate tariff codes for products in line with legal provisions.
This process is essential for maintaining efficiency, transparency, and standardisation in global trade.
In addition to discussions on tariff classifications, the committee provides a platform for resolving disputes between customs authorities and economic operators.
Nigeria’s participation enables the country to present and resolve issues related to tariff classification disputes, benefiting from the input of other international Contracting Parties.
One of the key highlights of Nigeria’s participation came from CSC Lauretta Utubor, the Team Lead for Advance Rulings, who delivered a presentation during the WCO Leadership Management Development workshop on 20 September 2024.
A beneficiary of the WCO 88th fellowship programme, Utubor emphasised the importance of tools such as self-awareness, strategic communication, political will, intentionality, people management, and change management in the successful implementation of Advance Rulings in Nigeria.
Her presentation underscored Nigeria’s commitment to adopting global best practices in trade facilitation and customs modernisation.
She further highlighted the dedication of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, towards promoting these reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s customs processes.
The insights gained from the 74th HSC meeting are expected to enhance the decision-making capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in issuing legally binding advice to economic operators.
This high-level engagement with customs administrations from around the world will bolster Nigeria’s leadership role in trade facilitation on the African continent.
The continued involvement of the NCS in these international forums is a testament to the nation’s dedication to improving customs operations and maintaining its standing as a key player in global trade.
