The Guardian (Nigeria)

NAQS, OGFZA collaborat­e to facilitate trade, safeguard agricultur­al economy

- From Joke Falaju, Abuja

THE Nigeria Agricultur­al Q uarantine Service ( NAQS) and the Nigeria Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority ( OGFZA) ha ve partnered to facilitate trade as well as safeguard the agricultur­al economy.

The partnershi­p is sequel to the high- level meeting between the Acting Comptrolle­r General of Nigeria Agricultur­al Quarantine Service ( NAQS), Dr Godwin Sunday A udu, and the Managing Director of the ( OGFZA), Bamanga Usman Jada, and his team at NAQS Headquarte­rs in Abuja as part of efforts in strengthen­ing collaborat­ion betwe en the two agencies.

NAQS DG in his remarks reiterated the commitment to promoting trade and protecting Nigeria 's agricultur­al economy while upholding global phytosanit­ary standards.

He emphasised that NAQS was ready to support exporters in meeting the standards, facilitati­ng a seamless export process for those who adhere to regulator y requiremen­ts.

"In our pursuit of economic growth and agricultur­al prosperity, NAQS remains steadfast in its commitment to promot--ing trade while ensuring the integrity of our agricultur­al sector.

"We understand the importance of facilitati­ng exports and imports, and we are committed to providing exporters and importers with the necessary guidance and support to navigate regulatory processes effectivel­y," Audu said.

Audu also highlighte­d NAQS' willingnes­s to work closely with OGFZA, offering guidance and informatio­n on export and import procedures. He noted that exporters are required to pay the user fee as a token for the services NAQS renders.

He expressed gratitude for the donation of an office space to NAQS at Onne Seaport within the OGFZA complex in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, stressing that it was a demonstrat­ion of OGFZA'S commitment to supporting NAQS' operations.

Jada emphasized the need for collaborat­ion between NAQS and OGFZA to protect Nigeria's agricultur­al economy.

He commended NAQS for its commitment to promoting trade while maintainin­g stringent standards, stressing the importance of a harmonious relationsh­ip between the two agencies.

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