NCS Partners WCO, JICA to Strengthen African Rules of Origin Implementation

NCS Partners WCO, JICA to Strengthen African Rules of Origin Implementation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has hosted a five-day capacity-building workshop on the African rules of origin. The workshop, which commenced on Thursday, November 28, 2024, aims to enhance the technical expertise of Customs officers across African countries to support intra-African trade.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (Tariff and Trade), DCG Caroline Niagwan, highlighted the importance of the workshop in fostering trade facilitation on the continent. She noted that the WCO and the European Union had partnered to launch the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, designed to bolster the application and implementation of rules of origin in Africa.

“This programme is geared toward enhancing capacity across Africa and supporting the practical application of rules of origin to boost intra-African trade. It represents a key milestone in fostering economic integration within the region,” Niagwan stated.

Faith Mathenge, an expert and facilitator for the EU-WCO Rules of Origin for Africa Programme, emphasized the significance of understanding rules of origin in promoting seamless trade across borders. She noted that 26 African countries were represented at the workshop, where participants were exposed to modern techniques and practices crucial to the effective implementation of these rules.

Mathenge also lauded Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his commitment to capacity building. “The CGC’s dedication to empowering his officers through training is commendable. Such efforts will enable Customs operatives to implement trade procedures effectively while enhancing compliance,” she said.

The workshop reflects the shared commitment of international and regional organizations to strengthen trade systems in Africa, with the ultimate goal of fostering economic growth and integration.

The event further underscores the importance of collaboration and capacity building in achieving the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional trade agreements.