MMAC Incident: Nigeria Customs Urges Stakeholders’ to Prioritise Cooperation for Economic Growth
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has encouraged stakeholders to prioritise cooperation in order to achieve and sustain economic growth.
This comes following a miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements that resulted in a disagreement between officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and officers of the NCS at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Cargo (MMAC) NAHCO Shed on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada on Saturday, the Service reiterated its dedication to integrated work setting.
“In line with the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) Safe Framework of Standards, which underscores Customs-to-Customs, Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (OGA), and Customs-to-Businesses cooperation, the NCS remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a collaborative working environment. This approach is essential for seamless trade facilitation, regulatory compliance, and the overall growth of the national economy.
“While the Service continues to engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders to strengthen operational protocols and to uphold the collective national interest, it is essential to reiterate that the NAHCO and SAHCO Import & Export Warehouses are licensed Customs Bonded Warehouses operating in full compliance with Section 122 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. As stipulated in Section 127 of the Act, these warehouses remain under the control of the NCS,” the statement partly reads.
Maiwada emphasised that the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is invested in fostering inter-agency cooperation and ensuring the smooth operation of Customs-controlled areas to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
He also reaffirmed Customs’ mandate to facilitate trade, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard national security.
“We urge all stakeholders to prioritise cooperation, adhere to due process, and maintain mutual respect to sustain a conducive environment for economic growth and seamless cargo operations,” the statement added.
