Under the framework of the EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, through GIZ, held a national training workshop on rules of origin for Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The workshop was held at the regional training center in Gwagwalada, Nigeria, from 22 to 26 January 2024 with the objective to assist Nigeria Customs in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential rules of origin in the light of the imminent implementation of an advance rulings mechanism on a national level.
In their opening remarks, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, DCG Musa, representing the Comptroller General of Customs, and Assisting Comptroller General in charge of Strategic Research and Policy, ACG Alfa, thanked the WCO and GIZ for their support in building capacity on rules of origin and highlighted the importance of developing a productive roadmap for rules of origin and enhancing officers’ expertise on origin to enable their participation in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area. They also recalled that advance rulings bring enhanced predictability and transparency which lead to enhanced levels of trade facilitation.
During the workshop participants worked on key concepts for proper origin determination, related operational and procedural issues, including origin certification and origin irregularities, as well as the establishment of efficient origin management. In addition, participants discussed specific areas of concern, including the low level of knowledge and use of the FTAs and challenges linked to verification of origin including trough administrative cooperation. They also discussed recommendations for better management and implementation of rules of origin on a national and regional level.
The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will continue its work with Nigeria Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of rules or origin. The Programme will conduct an advanced training and a training of trainers which will enable Customs officials to further cascade their knowledge to colleagues as well as to other relevant stakeholders.
For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org