Introduction:
The annual
Comptroller General of Customs Conference, held from the 13th to the 15th of
December 2023, brought together customs officials, industry experts, and
stakeholders from across the globe. The central theme for this year's
conference was "Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade
Facilitation in Customs Operations."
Key Objectives:
1. Explore the
role of data analytics in customs operations.
2. Enhance
collaboration and information-sharing among customs authorities.
3. Discuss
strategies for ensuring secure and efficient trade facilitation.
Conference
Highlights:
1. Inauguration
and Keynote Address:
The conference
commenced with the official inauguration, presided over by the Comptroller
General of Customs. The keynote address emphasized the pivotal role of data
analytics in modernizing customs operations and ensuring the security and
efficiency of international trade.
2. Plenary
Sessions:
Various plenary
sessions were conducted, featuring presentations from industry experts and
customs authorities. Topics included:
- The impact of
data analytics on risk management in customs.
- Best practices
in leveraging technology for trade facilitation.
- Case studies
showcasing successful implementation of data analytics in customs operations.
3. Panel
Discussions:
Panels comprising
customs officials, industry leaders, and technology experts engaged in in-depth
discussions on:
- Building a
robust data analytics framework for customs.
- Addressing
cybersecurity challenges in data-driven customs operations.
- Collaborative
approaches for data sharing and interoperability.
4. Workshops and
Training Sessions:
Specialized
workshops and training sessions were conducted to enhance the skills of customs
personnel in utilizing data analytics tools effectively. Practical
demonstrations showcased real-world applications of analytics in customs
procedures.
5. Exhibition:
A dedicated
exhibition showcased the latest advancements in data analytics technology for
customs operations. Participating companies and organizations demonstrated
innovative solutions designed to streamline processes and enhance security.
6. Networking
Opportunities:
Delegates had
ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Informal discussions
during breaks and networking sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas and
best practices among customs officials and industry representatives.
7. Resolution and
Closing Ceremony:
The conference
concluded with the formulation of resolutions and action plans based on the
insights gained throughout the event. The closing ceremony acknowledged the
contributions of participants and expressed gratitude to sponsors and
organizers.
Conclusion:
The 2023
Comptroller General of Customs Conference provided a comprehensive platform for
exploring the transformative potential of data analytics in customs operations.
The shared knowledge and collaborative efforts fostered during the conference
are expected to contribute significantly to advancing secure and efficient
trade facilitation in the global customs community.
This report serves
as a summary of the key discussions and outcomes of the conference and will be
instrumental in guiding future initiatives aimed at leveraging data analytics
for customs operations.
GOODWILL MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, BADAGRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INDUSTRY MINES AND AGRICULTURE (BACCIMA) ALHAJI FATAI ADEGBOYEGA SHOKUNBI, AT THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF CUSTOMS CONFERENCE 13th – 15th DECEMBER 2023.
Theme:
“Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in
Customs Operations”
Distinguished Guests,
The Comptroller General
of Customs (CGC),
Esteemed Participants,
All Protocols observed,
I extend warm greetings
and heartfelt goodwill on behalf of the Badagry Chamber of Commerce Industry
Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA). It is an honor and privilege to address you
today at the 2023 Comptroller General of Customs Conference, a forum of great
significance to the growth and development of trade, commerce, and investment,
particularly in Nigeria and the world at large.
At the outset, I would
like to express our profound appreciation to Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR,
the Comptroller General of Customs, for his visionary leadership and the
special focus given to the Seme-Krake, Badagry border post. This strategic
attention underscores a commitment to enhancing the efficiency of the ease of
doing business, a pivotal aspect in facilitating trade and fostering economic
prosperity in our region.
The Badagry Chamber of
Commerce has been at the forefront of advocating for policies and initiatives
that contribute to the ease of doing business and the formalization of trade on
the Lagos-Abidjan Trade Route. We recognize the symbiotic relationship between
a well-functioning customs service and the business community. As partners in
progress, we are resolute in our dedication and to continue to support the
Customs Service in achieving its aims and objectives.
Our region, with its rich
historical significance, tourism and economic potentials, stands poised for
substantial growth and development. The Badagry Chamber of Commerce is actively
engaged in initiatives aimed at harnessing these potentials and creating an
environment conducive to business growth. We believe that a collaborative
effort between the private sector and customs authorities is crucial to
achieving seamless trade operations.
The theme of this
conference, with its emphasis on the ease of doing business and formalization
of trade, aligns seamlessly with our goals. We are committed to working hand in
hand with the Customs Service to streamline processes, reduce bottlenecks, and
promote transparency as well as educating cross border traders on the benefits
of formalizing their trade. By doing so, we not only contribute to the overall
success of the Customs Service but also foster an environment that attracts
investment and stimulates economic activities in the Badagry Region.
Our Chamber’s advocacy
extends to the establishment of the Small-Scale Informal Cross Border Trade (SSICBT)
with active collaboration of the previous Comptrollers of Seme Border post,
such as ACG MB Jibo, Comptroller Dera Nnadi and the current Comptroller, Timi
Bomodi.
The establishment of proposed
Nigeria-Benin Permanent Joint Commission (NBPJC) has also been of significant
importance to BACCIMA and the Nigeria Customs Service has always been well
represented at our engagements by the above-named Comptrollers. The successful
establishment of the Commission will lead to social, economic and cultural
integration of Nigeria and Benin Republic.
We use this medium to
appreciate your kind gestures in the drastic reduction in the several
checkpoints on the Seme-Badagry-Lagos Expressway as promised during your last
visit on the 24th to 25th July 2023, this exemplifies
your leadership qualities and a listening leader.
We want to appeal to you
to use your good office to Fastrack the commencement of the construction of the
approved Badagry Deep Sea Port which would in essence add to revenue generation
to the Federal Government and reduction of smuggling which is inimical to
national prosperity and growth.
In conclusion, I wish to
express our optimism and enthusiasm for the outcomes of this conference. It is
our sincere hope that the discussions and collaborations forged here will pave
the way for a more efficient and effective customs service, driving economic
growth and development in the Badagry Region and Nigeria in general.
Thank you for your
attention, and I look forward to the fruitful deliberations ahead.
Sincerely,
Alhaji
Fatai Adegboyega Shokunbi
President,
Badagry
Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA).
