SON Synergizes With Customs For Greater Operational Efficiency
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken collaboration with sister government Agencies to another notch, the blossoming relationship between it and the Nigeria Customs Service has crystalized into a more cohesive and result oriented operations at the nations ports.
The Director-General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, along with his management team, were welcomed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (RTD) and members of management during a recent visit to Customs Headquarters, Abuja.
The Director-General emphasised the strategic role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against the importation of substandard products. He also acknowledged the historical support given to his organization while requesting for more strategic engagement in the light of their recent return to the ports.
Responding, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (RTD), agreed that synergy between critical government agencies at the ports will greatly enhance efficiency and would do much good in protecting the nation as well as its citizens.
The CGC emphasised the need for SON to upgrade its IT infrastructure to enable a smooth interface with the NICIS II platform of the NCS. The DG promised to do all in his power to make this a reality while also requesting for Customs Officers to be trained in ISO certifications.
The meeting corroborated the readiness and willingness of the Nigeria Customs Service to discharge its statutory responsibilities of protecting the national economy through trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities while providing the needed support in safeguarding the nation from the importation of substandard goods through collaboration with SON as the designated authority.