By Femi Anamelechi
Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar in charge of Nigeria Custom, Lagos Free Trade Zone Area command has reassured members of the House of Representative committee on safety standards and Regulations of Lagos Free Trade Zone’s uncompromising commitment to ensure safety standards , operational excellence and compliance regulations The Comptroller gave the assurance on Thursday, 6 November 2025, during her address of the House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations oversight visit to the Command. Comptroller Abubakar pointed out that the lawmakers visit represents a clear demonstration of the National Assembly’s unwavering commitment at ensuring that safety standards and best practices are maintained across key sectors of the economy.She reaffirmed the Command’s determination to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other sister agencies, to ensure that all goods cleared through the port meet required standards and specifications.
“While revenue collection remains a core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service, we at the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command are equally passionate about ensuring that goods cleared through our port meet the required standards and specifications”, she said.“This synergy not only protects consumers but also strengthens our nation’s trade reputation globally.”Comptroller Hauwa commended the management of the Lagos Free Zone for providing an enabling administrative support facilities that meet international safety standards, including fire and safety drills under the Zone’s Fire Service Unit and the establishment of a fully functional Sick Bay to provide emergency medical care. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. David Zacharias, commended the Command for its transparency, efficiency, and adherence to safety standards.“Our coming here is to assess the Nigeria Customs and to unveil the challenges before Nigerians. To the glory of God, they have taken us through the Free Trade Zones, and the Nigeria Customs has proved themselves”, he said.
The House Committee leader of delegation also pointed out the need for stronger collaboration among government and private sector agencies to ensure safety and compliance across all operational fronts.“Safety for Nigeria is the business of all, it’s not one man’s business. We have advised both private and government agencies to cooperate and work together in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs. We are also taking it upon ourselves to invite all relevant agencies to comply with the rules of safety standards”, he added. The lawmakers visit provided the committee members opportunity to engage directly with management of Free Zone, operators and also an assessment of existing safety standards
