...As House of Reps Committee Visit Lagos Free-Trade Zone Command
The Customs Area Controller, Lagos Free-Trade Zone Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to upholding safety culture, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance within the Free Trade Zones.
She gave the assurance on Thursday, while welcoming the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations during an on-site assessment visit to the Command.
In her remarks, Comptroller Abubakar described the lawmakers’ visit as a demonstration of the National Assembly’s resolve to ensure that safety standards and best practices are maintained across key sectors of the economy.
She disclosed that the Command maintains strong inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other sister agencies, to ensure that all goods cleared through the port meet required standards and specifications.
“While revenue collection remains a core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, we at the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command are equally passionate about ensuring that goods cleared through our port meet the required standards and specifications”, she said.
“This synergy not only protects consumers but also strengthens our nation’s trade reputation globally.”
She further acknowledged the management of the Lagos Free Zone for providing administrative support facilities that meet international safety standards, including fire and safety drills conducted by the Zone’s Fire Service Unit and the establishment of a fully functional Sick Bay to provide emergency medical attention when necessary.
Speaking after the assessment, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. David Zacharias, commended the Command for its transparency, efficiency, and adherence to safety standards.
“Our coming here is to assess the Nigeria Customs and to unveil the challenges before Nigerians. To the glory of God, they have taken us through the Free Trade Zones, and the Nigeria Customs has proved themselves", he said.
Hon. Zacharias emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among government and private sector agencies in promoting safety and compliance across all operational fronts.
“Safety for Nigeria is the business of all; it’s not one man’s business. We have advised both private and government agencies to cooperate and work together in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs. We are also taking it upon ourselves to invite all relevant agencies to comply with the rules of safety standards”, he added.
The visit provided an opportunity for lawmakers to engage directly with Free Zone operators and assess the existing safety systems within the Lekki corridor.
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