By Rabiu Musa
In a bid to strengthen working relationship and improve awareness on substandard products, the management of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service sequel to its eleven years robust working relationships and synergies with the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Director-General of SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, along with his management team, were welcomed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rrd) and members of management team at Customs Headquarters, Abuja.
The Director-General, Farouk Salim, said, “The strategic role played by the Nigeria Customs Service in the fight against the importation of substandard products cannot be overemphasized.” However, he reiterated the historical support given to his organization while requesting for more strategic engagement in the light of their recent return to the ports.
In his response, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), has said, ” The need for 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. Reacting, 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.
