From Suleiman Amagbor, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have promised to synergise to provide adequate security and increase revenue generation.
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this when he received the newly appointed Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed during a courtesy visit, noting that the NCS is thrilled to collaborate with agencies that provide good governance to the citizens through their different mandates.
The CGC also noted that the safety and economic well-being of the general public is the fundamental role of government, and all agencies should align with these everyday purposes.
Adewale said, “In terms of vision, I see an alignment between NCS and the FRSC. It is key that we find a way to collaborate. I see this visit as an expression of your confidence in working jointly to put strength together to pursue common goals. ”
He said, “We did sign a memorandum of understanding, and it is working very well. It has room for improvement to deepen collaboration. It is a perfect start that we have achieved the integration of the Customs and the Road Safety System. ”
CGC Adeniyi stated, “Working together, Nigerians should rest assured that the incident of stolen vehicles will be a thing of the past. Also, the federal government has opened a window for cars improperly imported into Nigeria to benefit from the waiver so they can pay the correct duties.”
He disclosed that the window period is winding down for people with these challenges to pen down their documentation before an aggressive enforcement will be launched. He also noted that substandard tyres are prohibited due to the hazard they cause, and the service will sustain the confiscation of such items.
Earlier, the Corps Marshall and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, commended the CGC, noting that upon his appointment, staff welfare, a conducive working environment, and prompt payment of benefits have been improved.
He also commended the CGC for his handshake initiative that led to the consolidation of existing vehicle information in the National Vehicle Identification System(NVIS) Database, domiciled with the FRSC, and the vehicle database of NCS, which is to enhance national security, improve revenue generation, promote ease of doing business and curb out smuggling excesses.
Bringing to the notice of the CGC, he revealed that the National Vehicle Identification System houses millions of vehicles’ information to unravel investigative activities of security agencies like the Nigerian Police, Interpol, and Federal Inland Revenue Service, among others.
He solicited the support of the CGC to help enforce restrictions on importing vehicles above expired age limits as a critical priority, stating that most fatalities during crises involve articulated dilapidated cars.
Additionally, he said, “The relationship between NCS and FRSC will continually grow stronger, and we are ready to support the CGC to deliver the promises and the goal he tends to achieve during his time in office as collaboration brings tremendous victory in trade modernisation and security.”
