May 7th, 2013 CONSOLIDATING PARTNERSHIP WITH USA AND ARGENTINA Background: Cooperation between Customs Administrations is a major pillar recommended by the World Customs Organisation WCO to operate a modern and efficient Customs service. To facilitate this, the Organisation has developed a model of agreement that provides the framework for bilateral cooperation. CMAA: Known officially as the Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) on Customs matters, it recognises the fact that offences against Customs Laws are prejudicial to national economy and security. The agreements also lay strong emphasis on cooperation to promote a united and strong counterforce against Smuggling, which is assuming increasing sophistication globally. Under article 2 of the agreements, provisions are made for the scope to include provision of assistance to contracting parties in accordance with domestic legislations. It also includes a commitment for mutual cooperation and assistance in the prevention, investigation and the fight against customs offences. Under Article 3, contracting parties undertake to cooperate in the area of Information exchange and provision of intelligence to ensure proper Assessment of imported goods, tariff classification, valuation and determination of Origin of goods. There were other articles spelling out the details and processes of requesting assistance, communication of requests and termination of the agreement. CMAA WITH ARGENTINA: A high powered delegation led by the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi went to Buenos Aires and Washington DC to sign CMAA with Argentina and the United States of America. The signing ceremony with the Administracion Federal de Ingresos Publicos-Direction-General de Aduanas of Argentina was preceded with a visit to the Exolgan Terminal in the Port of Buenos Aires. The visit was to have a firsthand assessment of port operations and explore possible areas of cooperation and assistance. The delegation also witnessed the effective use of specially trained dogs in luggage inspection, concealment of narcotics and illegal cross border currency trafficking. The rewarding port visit provided a precursor to the official signing ceremony of the CMAA between Nigeria and Argentina. On hand to witness the ceremony were members of the diplomatic corps, Business community and senior officials of Customs Administrations from both countries. The ceremony conducted in English and Spanish provided the opportunity to assess the current state of trade relationship between Argentina and Nigeria and futuristic look into how customs can provide the catalyst for improved trade. In his remarks, the Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi expressed strong optimism that the CMAA will boost anti smuggling operations in Nigeria and enhance regional security. The Director General of Argentine Revenue i Service, Ricardo Echegaray was also excited that the discussions which started about two years ago were successfully concluded. The presiding officer and the Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, His Excellency Chive Kaave commended the two Customs administrations, noting that Agreement further demonstrate the commitment of strategic agencies of Government to forge partnerships with their Argentine counterparts. He advocated that this cooperation be taken to a higher level of official state visits between the Presidents of the two countries. To the admiration of the invited guests, copies of the Agreements produced in English and Spanish were signed providing the framework of Cooperation and partnership. CMAA with USA: Next stop for the Nigeria Customs delegation was the Treaty Room of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington DC. The CMAA on Customs Matters between Nigeria and United States of America was concluded last year but could not be signed because of the tight schedules of the Comptroller General of Customs and the Acting Commissioner of CBP, Thomas Winkowski. Both executives however made out the time for the signing ceremony kick started by Charles Stallworth, the Assistant Commissioner, CBP Office of International Affairs. In his remarks, the Acting Commissioner of CBP, Thomas Winkowski commended the Comptroller General for initiating The Agreement process. He also expressed gratitude to the team of officials from both sides whose commitments brought the agreement to the signing room. From the Homeland Security Department, Peter Vincent, Acting Director of International Affairs also acknowledged the cooperation and support the United States have enjoyed in previous operations in Nigeria noting that the new CMAA will open a vista of more opportunities. The Comptroller-General of Customs expressed his optimism that the CMAA signing will provide a structured approach to consolidate on partnership which was already in existence between the Customs Administ
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:24:06 +0000
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