The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) on Friday organised a one- day capacity building training for maritime journalists.
The training workshop with the theme Commercial Terms and Phrases used in 21st Customs Operations aims to equip maritime journalists with the knowledge to effectively communicate the complexities of Customs operation and international logistics.
The programme, which was organised in collaboration with Roam Media Concept has Deputy Managing Directorr, MSC shipping company, Jacob Ioseo as one of the resource persons.
Speaking at the event, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the importance of accurate and technology-driven reportage of maritime issues in promoting accountability and efficiency in the sector.
Represented by the Controller, Tin Can Island Port command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, who doubles as a co-convener of the workshop, Adeniyi said that accurate reportage would help reduce corruption and improve the overall efficiency and integrity of customs processes.
Adeniyi highlighted advancements in technology, shifts in global trade patterns, and evolving regulatory frameworks as key drivers to the significant transformation of the maritime industry over the past years.
He said, ” With these changes come new technologies and practices that may not only impact customs operations but also how we communicate and collaborate within the industry.”
The Customs boss emphasised the importance of understanding commercials terms in enhancing efficiency, transparency and compliance in customs operations.
“Today, we will explore essential vocabulary that underpins our work, helping us to navigate the complexities of customs procedures, trade compliance, and international logistics. Understanding these terms is not just a matter of semantics. It is crucial for enhancing efficiency, fostering transparency, and ensuring compliance in our operations, ” he said.
Adeniyi lauded maritime journalists for their role in disseminating accurate information and educating the public about the vital role customs operations play in facilitating trade and economic growth.
“Together, let us deepen our understanding of the language that drives our industry forward and strengthen the partnerships that will help us meet the challenges of the future, ” he said.
In his remarks, Controller Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu who was the Chief Host urged the media to utilize the training and iimprove on their reportage.
He commended the effort of the customs management, MSC shipping and Comptroller Dera Nnadi for organising the training for journalists.
On his part, Convener of the event, Innocent Orok, gave a history of what informed the convening of the training workshop, which ha said stemmed from a discussion on the need to train maritime media personnel.
He said, “On Sunday August 10, 2024, Comptroller Dera Nnadi posted a story link published in Saturday Vanguard by a Reporter from Awka, Anambra State with the headline “Challenges in Ports: Ezeibe points way out for Customs” in the Maritime Elders Whatsapp Platform.
“The story carries the picture of the Comptroller General of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. The summary of the story was that Customs causes delays in the clearance process to extort money and the delays leads to demurrage, which add to the cost of goods in the Nigerian markets.
“Beneath the story link, Comptroller Dera Nnadi wrote ” See why we must leave maritime reporting for maritime media personnel”.
“Comptroller Nnadi’s position was that the issue the journalist was writing about has been addressed 20 years ago, with various Customs trade facilitation/ ICT tools like Pre- Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), Asycuda, NICIS and now B’ Odogwu which are all trade facilitation tools put in place by the Customs to fast tract clearance of goods from the ports.
“In a sharp response, I reacted by saying because journalists are not trained that is why they are reporting backward trends.
“In his usual character, Comptroller Dera Nnadi responded ” Innocent man, I nominate you Chairman of capacity building for the media for a One day workshop on “Commercial Terms and Phrases in the Nigeria Maritime Industry.”
Orok emphasized the importance of continuous training and empowerment for maritme journalists, noting that the workshop set a new standard for maritime media training.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to some maritime media veterans who have contributed to shaping maritime industry policies and program in Nigeria.
