An act for the repeal and re-enactment of the Nigeria Customs and Excise Duties bill has scaled through second reading in the Senate.
The bill, which has been passed into law by the lower chamber, is to reposition the agency to compete well among similar agencies across the world.
Sponsor of the motion, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, representing Imo East Senatorial District explained that there was serious legal lapses as the current Nigeria Customs does not have a legal framework for its existence.
“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, you will be surprised that Nigeria Customs as it is today does not have legal backing to exist and even compete among its contemporaries across the world”, Anyanwu noted.
Anyanwu added that the laws guiding the Nigeria Customs, which are in pieces would be consolidated into a single working document, with a clear cut objectives that would enhance their performances in the interest of the nation.
He regretted that the agency has been dotted with corruption in the past, saying, that the executive arm of government has understood that there was need to repeal the laws.
After few contributions, Senate President, Bukola Saraki stressed the need for Nigeria Customs to be dynamic so as to add value to the economy, while commending the Senators for their understanding.
While referring the bill to the Senate Committee on Customs, he enjoined the Committee to do a thorough job and revert to the chambers in two weeks time.
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