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The Nigeria Custom Service says it is ready to partner with other agencies of government, especially the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) Onne, in Rivers State, on improved and efficient service delivery for the benefit of investors and other stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) stated this while speaking at a stakeholders’ forum jointly hosted by the Custom Service and the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority.
The Customs boss said full engagement with all stakeholders in the oil and gas sector is a requirement for the success of the industry and that he recognizes the need to work with relevant service providers in the free zone authority for efficient and responsive service delivery. While commending the management of the oil and gas free zone authority, for maintaining a harmonious working relationship with all stakeholders and companies in the zone, Col Ali however said the Customs service under his leadership is committed to working with OGFZA for the good of the nation.
Managing director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority Mr. Umana Okon Umana said the forum was put together to fine tune a pathway for better service delivery in the free zone. He said partnership has become imperative to underscore the fact that the ease of doing business initiative is a national policy under one government.
Umana added that agency cooperation for efficient service delivery under the one-government concept is operational in the free zones through the one-stop shop policy which makes it obligatory for all relevant agencies of government to work through OGFZA to optimize and expedite service delivery.
“The point being made here is that the policy of efficient service delivery has to be imbibed and made a way of life across all agencies of the government,” he said.
The forum which drew participation from members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Free Zone Investors, relevant government officials and other also featured the presentation of technical papers on improved service delivery in the free zones by Abubakar Bashiru, Comptroller Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service Onne, Rivers State and the ease of doing business by Mr. Adekunle Ajayi of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Onne.
