BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged its full support for the operations of the NAHCO Export Packaging and Processing Centre (NEPPC), a state-of-the-art facility established by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) to transform Nigeria’s agro-export landscape.
During a visit to the company’s headquarters and the NEPPC in Lagos on Thursday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended NAHCO for its bold investment in a project that directly advances Nigeria’s export ambitions.
“I commend what you are doing here. And whatever you are doing, and it is improving the economy of the country, especially exports, I am all for it,” Adeniyi said, expressing admiration for the purpose-built centre focused on packaging and processing Nigerian commodities for global markets.
Highlighting the significance of the NEPPC, the CGC said it was not only his duty as the head of Customs but also a personal conviction to support such a strategic initiative.
“Having seen the extent of investment in the Centre, it is my responsibility—both in my official capacity and as a private individual—to support its success,” he said.
To fast-track operations at the NEPPC, Adeniyi directed the Customs Area Controller of the Cargo Terminal Command, Mr. M.T. Awe, to finalise all necessary procedures that will enable the Centre to operate at full capacity.
The CGC was accompanied on the visit by a high-powered team, including Assistant Comptroller-General Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A; Comptroller E.J. Harisson of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command; Comptroller M.S. Shuaibu of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A; and other senior officers.
Adeniyi reiterated that the role of Customs extends beyond revenue generation. “Customs is not just about collecting duties,” he said.
“We are equally committed to enabling businesses that promote economic growth, generate employment, and attract foreign exchange.”
Responding, the Group Managing Director/CEO of NAHCO Plc, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, expressed deep appreciation for the CGC’s visit, describing it as a timely morale boost that reaffirms the company’s vision for supporting Nigerian exports through world-class infrastructure.
“We are truly honoured to receive the CGC and his team,” Olumekun said. “This visit is a powerful validation of the NEPPC. It gives us the assurance we need to keep pushing forward in our drive to elevate Nigeria’s agro-export capacity.”
He explained that the NEPPC was designed in line with international standards to ensure that Nigerian commodities meet the quality, packaging, and compliance expectations of global markets.
“With perishables moving to the NEPPC, we can process more cargo in the main export shed, which improves our overall capacity and efficiency,” Olumekun added.
Joining the GMD in welcoming the Customs team were Mr. Adeoye Emiloju, Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, General Manager, External Affairs; and Mr. Oluwole Olalandu, Head of Cargo Services.
Commissioned in 2024, the NEPPC represents a forward-thinking investment in Nigeria’s export value chain.
The facility is a response to the growing demand for processed, well-packaged, and globally acceptable Nigerian goods, especially agricultural produce.
By streamlining export documentation, enhancing cargo handling processes, and ensuring adherence to international packaging standards, the NEPPC is setting a new benchmark for how Nigerian exports are prepared for global distribution.
As the CGC’s visit signals strong institutional support, NAHCO said its export hub is flaunted to become a vital platform for repositioning Nigerian commodities in international markets, unlocking new opportunities for farmers, processors, and exporters alike.
