The Customs Consultative Committee has urged the Nigeria Customs Service to leverage advanced technology to boost the service’s efficiency.

The group, in a statement on Wednesday, signed by its Secretary, Mr Eugene Nweke, also advised the service to provide training and capacity-building programs for NSC officers.

They also commended the NCS on what it described as exceptional performance in enforcing import regulations and generating revenue under the National Strategic Economic Development Plan.

“Provide training and capacity-building programs for NCS officers, foster stronger relationships with stakeholders to promote compliance and trade facilitation, and continuously refine risk assessment protocols. Leverage advanced technologies. Organize workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to educate the trading public on the provisions and implications of the new Customs Act 2023,” CCC said.

The group also underscored the need for the service to reinforce the 7Cs of the service and uphold the principles of the Alushta Declaration on Customs Integrity.

According to CCC, the service should also upgrade the server infrastructure and bandwidth to support the B’Odogwu platform, “ensuring seamless transactions and minimising system downtime.”

Meanwhile, the group also acknowledged the NCS’s achievements in intercepting prohibited and restricted imports, including the recent interception of unregistered pharmaceuticals and expired margarines, at the Apapa Port Command.

The CCC appreciated the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and other officials for their vision and commitment to excellence.

It stressed that the leadership has been instrumental in driving the service’s performance and ensuring the effective implementation of the NSEDP.

Going forward, CCC urged the NCS to implement these recommendations within the next six months and expressed confidence in the service’s ability to continue delivering outstanding results.