The Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers NIROPHARM has called on the Nigerian Customs to throw more lights on the single window and pre arrival assessment report (PAAR) currently being implemented in the country to facilitate trade. This call was made during a very incisive and highly educative business evening networking organized by NIROPHARM in Lagos at the Sheraton hotel in Lagos.
In his welcoming address and setting the tone for the business of the discuss, NIROPHARM president and Managing director of GlaxoSmithkline PLC Pharm. Lekan Asuni noted that his Association pays considerable attention to the series and sequence of activities that occur from the point of manufacture to the end users and as such “we are all aware , as part of efforts to facilitate trade, that the Nigerian Customs Service has come up with different initiatives such as the single trade window, the pre arrival assessment report and IT based services”.
Pharm. Lekan Asuni who lauded the Nigeria customs initiatives revealed that the evening’s discuss which hovers around the theme “End to End Import Logistics” is deliberately planned to interact on the customs single trade window alongside challenges and issues with pre arrival assessment report with a view ” to elicit better understanding of the subject matter, provide an opportunity for discussion and engagement among stakeholders” he added.
In an instructive and highly expository presentation on the single trade window and pre arrival assessment report, Deputy Comptroller of ICT for the Nigerian Customs DC Yusuf Bashar, reiterated Customs desire to fast track the clearing process for imported cargos into Nigeria in the fastest time possible. Yusuf Bashar who is the head of ICT for his organization revealed that the PAAR system is currently a worldwide accepted system that saves time and very cost effective. He informed that the PAAR, has a variety of indicators that are conscious of first and foremost national security and International trust, cooperation and seamless networking among stake holding nations and agencies while also saving the nation huge expenses in foreign currencies.
DC Bashar explained that Niropharm Corporate members who are desirous of fast track treatments should be registered with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and also be ready to show proven records of good past performances. The customs boss noted that the automation system of PAAR is gradually warming up to perfection, with his officers running a 24hour shift daily to facilitate the process. He however regretted that bottle necks arise when organizations in Nigeria result to alterations on their overseas assessment reports alongside other short comings. ” if you avoid short cuts, understand the process, display transparency and integrity, single trade window and PAAR offer all stake holders a cost effective process” he concluded.
The chairman of the occasion and executive chairman of Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dr Obiora Chukwuka earlier in his remarks stated that the health of a nation is greatly dependent on the industry and as such stake holders need forum like this not only to facilitate trade but the health of the nation. He noted that the outcome of the Niropharm business networking discuss will no doubt be of immense benefit to participants but also to the economy of the nation.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event include Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, President Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Dr Obiora Chukwuka, Executive Chairman Greenfield Pharmaceuticals Ltd and chairman of the event, Mr Alex Goma, Managing Director, Family Care sbu PZ Cussons, Mr Lucky Amiwero, President National Association of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents and Pharm. Maomud Segiru who stood in for the Director General of NAFDAC.
