Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Area Command, and the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) have strengthened their partnership to promote safe trade and protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector from the threat of harmful pests and diseases.
The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller of Quarantine, Enugu State and South-East Zonal Commander of NAQS, Chika Igbozulike, to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Adeyinka Bodunde, at the Command’s Administrative Office in Enugu.
Speaking during the meeting, Igbozulike stressed the need for sustained collaboration between both agencies, particularly in the joint examination of imported consignments at bonded terminals across the Command.
He explained that wooden pallets and other packaging materials used in imports could serve as carriers of dangerous agricultural pests and diseases if not properly inspected and subjected to quarantine procedures such as fumigation where necessary.
In response, Comptroller Bodunde called on NAQS to deploy officers to all bonded terminals within the Command to ensure effective representation and timely participation in examinations involving regulated agricultural products and materials.
She assured the quarantine agency of Customs’ continued support, noting that officers conducting examinations at the various terminals would be directed to work closely with NAQS personnel during inspections.
“Efective collaboration is vital to securing Nigeria’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade and protecting the country’s agricultural and economic interests,” she said.
Both agencies concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to enhanced cooperation, information sharing and coordinated operations aimed at strengthening border controls, safeguarding public safety and preventing the entry of harmful pests into the country.