The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has assured ground handling giant, NAHCO of its full support to operate the Export Packaging & Processing Centre (NEPPC) arm of the company.

The Controller General of the NCS, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, made the promise to the management of the ground handler during a visit to NAHCO Head Office and the Nahco NEPPC in Lagos on recently.

He said it was his duty as the number one customs officer in the country and even as a private individual, having seen the extent of investment in the centre, to support its operation. This is moreso as the centre is tailored exclusively towards the exportation of Nigerian commodities.

He said: “I commend what you are doing here. And whatever you are doing, and it is improving the economy of the country, especially exports, I am all for it”.
Adeniyi therefore instructed the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Hajj & Cargo Terminal, Comptroller MT Awe to perfect the procedures required and ensure that the NEPPC goes full blast.

The CGC, who came in company of his top team in Lagos including the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih ; Comptroller Awe; CCAC Murtala International Airport Command, Comptroller EJ Harisson; FOU Zone A, Comptroller MS Shuaibu, and other top officials of the Service, stating that NCS is interested in any cargo processing centre designed to ensure compliance with global standards.

He said Customs is not only about generating revenue but also about supporting businesses that will create employment and bring in much-needed foreign exchange.

Responding, the Group Managing Director/CEO, NAHCO PLC, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said he was very delighted to receive the Customs CG, describing the visit as a very needed encouragement the Company requires in its efforts geared towards boosting the country’s agro-exports through the airports.

Olumekun said the operation of the centre will follow global standards and will create room for more cargo to be processed in the NAHCO export shed since perishables would be moved to the NEPPC. He pointed out that the reason behind the establishment of the centre was to ensure compliance and proper packaging of commodities that would be acceptable to global markets.

With the GMD in receiving the CGC was with the Chief Financial O fiver of the Company, Mr. Adeoye Emiloju; General Manager External Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, and the Head, Cargo Services, Mr. Oluwole Olalandu.

The NEPPC was commissioned in 2024 as a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products on the global stage, create jobs at home and push the boundaries of what Nigeria could sell abroad.

By streamlining export processes, adhering to stringent packaging standards, and ensuring the quality of Nigerian products, NAHCO, through the facility is setting up international benchmark for the processing of Nigeria goods targeted at global markets.