Customs to establish command at Snake Island Free Zone

Bashir Adeniyi, the comptroller general of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), has announced that the service is finalising plans to set up a dedicated area command at the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ).

The Customs chief disclosed this during a visit to the facility last Wednesday, where he commended Nigerdock, the Free Zone operator, for its investments and corporate social responsibility efforts.

Since 2014, Nigerdock, has maintained a record 17 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI), ensuring that no worker has suffered an injury severe enough to halt operations. In the past 11 years, the company says it has faced no strikes, government-imposed shutdowns, or work stoppages due to safety concerns.

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“We are just at the stage where we are finalising all the documentation, and I am very sure that by the next time I visit this place, I’ll be received by a Customs Area Controller,” he said.

He also noted that collaboration between Customs and private operators is key to achieving national goals. “We are looking forward to a symbiotic relationship, that which will benefit the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Nigerdock as a corporate entity.”

Semiu Akorede, managing director of SIIFZ, described the CG’s visit as a boost to the zone. “Your coming here today is going to add a lot of value,” he said. “We have enjoyed the support of Customs officers that are working with us here, and those that come here to carry out some operations, and I can confirm to you that we have been working together without any rancour.”

“The consolidation of the activities we are asking for is going to assist in ensuring that we have a seamless operation moving forward,” he added.