From 26 to 29 June 2017, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) conducted its first national support mission in Abuja (Nigeria) under the framework of the WCO C-RED Project. This Project, encompassing 6 beneficiary countries from the West and Central Africa (WCA) region, aims at strengthening customs competences and facilitation in the fight against epidemics, such as Ebola, or natural disasters. It is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The focus of this first scoping mission was to analyze and review the Nigerian legal framework and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to the clearance of relief goods. The review enabled the scoping team to assess the needs of the Nigerian Customs administration in terms of required national support to deal in the best manner with relief goods.

The WCO team was warmly welcomed by the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was successful, allowing key stakeholders from different governmental bodies (the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, The National Emergency Management Authority, the Nigerian Immigration Service…) to engage and agree on  a coordinated approach in fighting against epidemics or natural disasters that may affect the region. UNICEF, WHO and a NGO, Ray of hope, were also represented. These organizations provided insights into the specificities of the Nigerian environment and of customs procedures for clearance of relief goods.

Following this first mission, the WCO will closely work  with the Nigerian Customs Service to prepare for a the follow up  which will focus on setting up national SOPs based on international best practices and drafting of a common action plan that will involve all stakeholders.

For more information, please contact the WCO C-RED Project manager, Ms. Eve Gérard (eve.gerard@wcoomd.org).