The Comptroller–General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, has pledged agency support to the Management of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), to deepen the ground handler’s operation of the NAHCO Export Packaging & Processing Centre (NEPPC).

The Comptroller–General pledged Customs’ support to NAHCO’s efforts at operating a globally acceptable standard export processing centre. The CGC, who gave the assurance during a visit to NAHCO Head Office and the NAHCO NEPPC in Lagos, said it was his duty to support the operations, having seen the extent of investment in the NEPPC.

“This is more so as the Centre is tailored exclusively towards the exportation of Nigerian commodities. 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 CAC, Cargo Terminal Command, Mr MT Awe, to perfect the procedures required and ensure that the NEPPC goes full blast.

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

Responding, the GMD/CEO, NAHCO, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said he was delighted to receive the Customs C-G, describing the visit as the 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 would follow global standards and would 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.

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 an international benchmark for the processing of Nigerian goods targeted at global markets.