Joseph Bakare
The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), have organized a five-day workshop aimed at building the capacity of Customs operatives across African countries in the area of rules of origin.
Speaking to journalists shortly after declaring the workshop open, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Caroline Niagwan, noted that the two international organisations had formed an alliance to provide technical assistance. This includes training initiatives to support Customs officers across the African region.
DCG Niagwan stated: “The European Union and the World Customs Organisation signed a partnership agreement for a comprehensive programme that would foster the full implementation and application of the rules of origin in Africa.
“This programme, known as the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, enhances the capacity of Africa and supports the implementation and application of rules of origin to boost intra-African trade. That is the whole rationale.”
Faith Mathenge, a Rules of Origin expert and facilitator for the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, reiterated that the programme was designed to build capacity for African countries in rules of origin, which she described as crucial for facilitating trade.
She affirmed the WCO’s commitment to providing continuous support to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through training initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of its officers.
Mathenge revealed that nearly 26 countries sent representatives to participate in the workshop and encouraged attendees to pay close attention to the modern technicalities associated with rules of origin.
She commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his unwavering support for capacity building. “I must commend the CGC for prioritising capacity building, which is the bedrock that will enable his officers to implement procedures that facilitate trade and enhance compliance,” she said.
The workshop underscored the importance of collaboration in fostering intra-African trade and strengthening the role of Customs officers in implementing rules of origin effectively.