The Nigerian Customs Service, Thursday, announced that it will host the African Union Directors-General of Customs to improve trade facilitation, security and common African position in global customs community.

The Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Joseph Attah, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking to the news Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The event which will be first of its kind will hold from May 23 to 25, as 50 DGs of several customs administrations in the AU are set to attend.

Attah said: “Nigeria is increasingly seen as a safer place for businesses, international conferences and safer place for meaningful national engagement.

“The meeting will be first of its kind; during this period, the DGs will be discussing issues of mutual cooperation among customs administrations in the AU to forge a common position in the governance of World Customs Organisation (WCO).

“Issue of trade facilitation and regional security are tops on the list; whenever DGs of Customs meet they discuss ways of improving on the standard of customs operations in the region.

“They discuss the function of customs and how it can better impact on the lives of the citizens of member states.”

Attah also disclosed that there would also be a sideline meeting of neighbouring countries like Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Niger to discuss the issues of mutual importance.

“It is expected that at the end of the meeting, citizens of member states will experience improved customs relationship to enhance regional security.”