🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria Customs Service and British American Tobacco Nigeria sign anti-smuggling agreement
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Nigeria Customs Service and British American Tobacco Nigeria BATN have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MOU to combat illicit tobacco trade and enhance regulatory compliance. The agreement, signed in Abuja, aims to strengthen cooperation in fighting smuggling, protecting legitimate investments, and safeguarding lawful trade. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated the MOU provides a framework to deepen collaboration and eliminate illegal cross-border product movements within Nigeria. He added that this collaboration signals Nigeria's commitment to protecting legitimate businesses and fostering an enabling investment environment. Adeniyi highlighted that illicit trade globally undermines government revenues, distorts markets, weakens regulatory frameworks, and creates unfair competition. Managing Director of BAT Nigeria, Yarub Al-Bahrani, described the agreement as a landmark development reflecting the strong relationship between BATN and the NCS, reinforcing a shared commitment to responsible business practices. He emphasized that effective public-private sector cooperation is crucial for protecting legitimate commerce and fostering a thriving business environment. The partnership is expected to facilitate information sharing, intelligence collaboration, capacity building, and coordinated enforcement to disrupt illicit trade networks in and around Nigeria.
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