The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, has received the Merit Award for “rendering exceptional service to the international Customs community” from the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The award is coming on the occasion of International Customs Day, 2024.
Mohammed Bello has since his appointment as MD/CEO of NPA championed increased collaboration and cooperation with the Nigeria Customs Service, which resulted in the creation of a dedicated Customs command for the Export Processing Terminals licensed and certified by the NPA to grow Nigerian exports.
The award, signed by the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Ian Saunders, was presented to Mohammed Bello Koko by the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Chief Gboyega Oyetola, assisted by Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi MFR on Friday 26th January, 2024.
An elated Mohammed Bello-Koko, posting through his X account said, “I feel greatly honoured to bag the Merit Award for “Rendering Exceptional Service to the International Customs Community” from the World Customs Organisation on International Customs Day.
“The award signed by the World Customs Organisation Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, was presented to me by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, and supported by the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adeniyi.
“The increased cooperation and collaboration between the two agencies led to a dedicated Customs Command for the Export Processing Terminals licenced and certified by the NPA to support governments’ efforts in promoting export trade.
“As I noted yesterday, we will continue to work together to improve port efficiency by providing a 24-hour working environment for customs inspections, clearance, and delivery. This recognition is a further call to action, and we shall not relent in the pursuit of exceptional services in the ports.
“Finally, I dedicate this award to the Management and staff of @nigerianports, who are working tirelessly behind the scenes and laying the groundwork for future cooperations while also following up on implementing these policies and initiatives.”
