Cotecna Signs five year Verification of Conformity (VoC) program with Niger

Cotecna, one of the world's leading trade testing, inspection, and certification companies, has signed a five year Verification of Conformity (VoC) contract with the Ministry of Industrial Development of Niger.

The service will become operational within the next three months. The number of products to be subjected to VoC will increase in three stages during the first six months of operation

In Nigeria, Cotecna has a seven-year Build, Operate, Own and Transfer Destination Inspection contract with the Federal Government. Under the contract, Cotecna is in charge of Apapa and Tin Can ports, Abuja and Kano airports, and Jibiya and Banki border posts and accordingly carries out Risk Management and Inspection activities on all goods imported into Nigeria.

Cotecna Inspection SA has provided Pre-Shipment Services (PSI) for the government of Niger since 1995 to check the quantity, quality and value of imported goods. In 2000, to support the government of Niger in its efforts to combat fraud, Cotecna increased its presence in the country to a total of nine offices. In 2003, Cotecna introduced a risk analysis module to determine the degree of risk and type of intervention required for each shipment of imported goods.

At the end of 2010, Cotecna signed a new PSI contract that includes the installation and the operation for five years of three mobile container scanners. At term, this scheme will evolve into a Destination Inspection programme.

Cotecna Ghana Signs New five-year Destination Inspection Contract

Gateway Services Limited, Cotecna’s subsidiary in Ghana, has signed a fresh five (5) year contract with the Government of Ghana to continue to provide Destination Inspection services (DI) under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI).

The new contract for the trade security and facilitation multinational became effective September 1, 2010.

Cotecna operates in Ghana under its registered affiliate, Gateway Services Limited (GSL), and initiated the very first DI contract that began in April 2000. Cotecna pioneered the development and implementation of the Destination Inspection concept which has contributed to the achievement of important government objectives in Ghana, including the facilitation of trade, revenue protection and enhancement, and the modernization of Customs through training and knowledge transfer.

GSL was the first inspec­tion company to combine valuation services, through its international network of price analysts, with computerized risk management and a powerful fixed x-ray scanner in the context of the Destination Inspection programme in Ghana.

GSL now looks forward to building on the success of the earlier DI under this new contract through the provision of services that will continue to add value to the government of Ghana.

In Nigeria, Cotecna has a seven-year Build, Operate, Own and Transfer Destination Inspection contract with the Federal Government. Under the contract, Cotecna is in charge of Apapa and Tin Can ports, Abuja and Kano airports, and Jibiya and Banki border posts and accordingly carries out   Risk Management and Inspection activities on all goods imported into Nigeria.

Founded in Switzerland in 1974, the Cotecna group offers a wide range of trade facilitation services, trade security services and quality certification standards. Cotecna is a pioneer in areas such as risk management, destination inspection and scanner integration projects and also offers Customs modernization programmes, Customs valuation assistance, trade security solutions and commercial inspections. The Cotecna Group has a combined workforce of about 4,000 employees and agents in close to 100 offices.  

COTECNA COMMISSIONS CSR PROJECT IN KANO - NIGERIA

R-L:

Alhaji Keana Halad representing Honourable Minister of Finance, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (Dr) Olusegun Agbaje and  Cotecna Group Vice President, Ms Alison Bourgeois during the commissioning ceremony of renovated classroom blocks at Customs staff primary school donated by Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited (CDIL) while Managing Director of CDIL, Tayo Rabiu and school headteacher, Mrs Rita Okoro look on at the weekend in Kano.

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (Dr) Olusegun Agbaje in handshake with Cotecna Group Vice President, Ms Alison Bourgeois while Customs staff primary school head teacher, Mrs Rita Okoro and Managing Director of Cotecna Nigeria, Tayo Rabiu look on during the commissioning ceremony of renovated classroom blocks for the school in kano donated by Cotecna

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (Dr) Olusegun Agbaje and the Managing Director of Cotecna Nigeria, Mr. Tayo Rabiu during the commissioning ceremony of renovated classroom blocks in kano - Nigeria

Cotecna Steps-Up CSR Profile - by Israel Bolaji

Pursuant to fulfilling its commitment to education in Nigeria, Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited (CDIL), a foremost trade security and facilitation company, has renovated a four-classroom block and donated amenities worth about N10million to the Customs staff primary school in Kano .

The CSR gesture was made to upgrade the school infrastructure and facilities, and provide pupils with a conducive atmosphere for learning.

The multi million naira donations for the school included renovation of a block of 4 classrooms and administration office, supply of furniture, Re-roofing, Flooring and Painting of the block, supply of Pupils Desks and Chairs, Supply of Teachers Tables and Chairs, Supply and Fixing of Doors and Windows, Complete Electrical Work, Fixing of Ceiling Fans and Air-conditioners and Complete Plumbing Work.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Thursday, Managing Director Cotecna Nigeria , ‘Tayo Rabiu, said “Our resolve to make this donation was informed by a key principle of making significant contributions and partnering with other stakeholders to enhance sustainable developments of the communities where we operate. We are particularly delighted about supporting education as it forms the bedrock of development.”

He stressed the strategic role of education in advancing the national economic growth and abundance for the future generation.

The Cotecna boss enjoined the pupils to take full advantage of the opportunity of education, which brings everyone on a level playing field and enables them to realize their fullest potentials. 

He urged organizations to pay increasing attention to education, saying that is the only way to liberate the country from the shackles of ignorance and poverty.

According to him, education for all is a responsibility of all, adding that government should not be left alone to provide education without partnering with the private sector.

Cotecna’s International Vice President (Corporate Communications), Ms Alison Bourgeois amplified the multinational’s delight and continuous resolve to support education and maintain it as a central part of its corporate social responsibility scheme.

She said “it is the company’s desire that the donations will boost educational infrastructures and foster an enabling learning atmosphere.”

“We have therefore chosen as a business to deliberately embed the principle of corporate social responsibility in the fabric of our operations and we have done numerous projects in this direction. We have provided support for our communities along the lines of our identified themes of access to safe water, education and health. These three areas have been proven to be some of the major building blocks of any society”, she noted.

In his own remarks, the Commandant Customs Staff College , ACG (Dr) Olusegun Agbaje representing the Comptroller General of Customs commended Cotecna for its commitment to education.

Agbaje noted that no nation can rise above its educational level and it is imperative that pupils get the right education in the right atmosphere especially during the formative years. He lauded CDIL for taking giant stride towards this direction.

Mrs. Rita Okoro, Head teacher of the school, explained that the school was founded in 1986 by the Customs Officers Wives Association, adding that the current student’s enrollment is 650 pupils, and 19 sets have so far graduated from the school since inception.

Okoro expressed deep gratitude to Cotecna for its efforts and generous donations and urged other well meaning citizens to support education.

She added that the landmark occasion testifies further to the potential synergy and results that await the nation if private and public sector participation gets entrenched.

The Honourable Minister of Finance represented by Alhaji Halad Keana lauded the initiative. He said: “it is appropriate and vital to commend this good project from one of the scanning service providers in the nation. All of us were at one point or the other in history like these pupils whose lives will be meaningfully impacted on by this singular gesture. We appreciate it and encourage citizens and organizations to seriously look at this direction: giving back to the society where they have taken much far and beyond lip service.”  

Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited (CDIL) has a seven-year Build, Operate, Own and Transfer Destination Inspection contract with the Federal Government of Nigeria. Under the contract, Cotecna is in charge of Apapa and Tin Can ports, Abuja and Kano airports, and Jibiya and Banki border posts and accordingly carries out   Risk Management and Inspection activities on all goods imported into Nigeria .

The COTECNA Group, one of the world's leading international trade inspection companies, offers a wide range of trade facilitation services, trade security services and quality certification standards. Cotecna is a pioneer in areas such as risk management, destination inspection and scanner integration projects and also offers Customs modernization programmes, Customs valuation assistance, trade security solutions and commercial inspections. The Cotecna Group has a combined workforce of about 4,000 employees and agents in close to 100 offices throughout 60 countries.

How Destination Inspection will aid Transparency

Cotecna Nigeria Appoints New Deputy Managing Director - Israel Bolaji, Lagos

The strategic importance of people as its most vital resource has once again been amplified by Cotecna with the company’s announcement of a new deputy managing director and other key positions. Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited (CDIL), a foremost trade security and facilitation company in Nigeria has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Ernest Jones Woka as its new Deputy Managing Director.

The new DMD, Mr. Woka, who is also to continue serving as the General Manager Scanning, the position which he occupies until his recent elevation, would bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new capacity as second in command to steer the company’s affairs.

According to Tayo Rabiu, the Managing Director, “the appointment came as part of CDIL’s plans and steady drive to constantly position its human resources strategically to guarantee quality and world class trade facilitation and inspection services to its clientele”.

Rabiu further stated that: “David Bondorin and Benjamin Blay Awuah the Scanner Manager Tincan and the Risk and Statistics Manager respectively have also being assigned with higher responsibilities. Mr. David is now the Scanner Operations Manager, responsible for the management of scanners operation for all CDIL scanning sites. While Mr. Blay would now be the Risk, Statistics and Quality Manager, whose responsibilities added to the previous would include monitoring quality of service delivery to clients and ensuring systematic compliance with ISO operations standards.

Joining the team is also Hester Hopkins who has recently been appointed as head of the Valuation and Classification Centre (VCC) which is based in Abuja. Ms Hester Hopkins is bringing in her years of experience in customs valuation and classification.

The Cotecna boss said “The new appointments and assignments came as a result of committed professionalism and diligence. This greater thrust of responsibility highlights the company’s strong confidence in strategic exploit of human resources as well as a clear commitment to unparalleled layers of people-focused and tailor-made services and expertise to the Nigerian ports and entire trade ecosystem”.

Ernest Woka who has about thirty years experience in cargo inspection, trade facilitation and modernisation of ports and customs operations started his career with the Ghana Customs, Excise and Preventive Services in the 70s. He holds an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Hull United Kingdom in 1999 and has attended countless high profiled trainings and workshops, including the KPMG Leadership course and the prestigious Lagos Business School.

He has also served as scanner manager with Cotecna Ghana (Gateway Services Limited) with remarkable achievements like the training of Kenya revenue officials in scanners operations. His great wealth of experience has also been brought to bear with his service in CDIL scanning department between 2006 and 2008. His recent appointment will further boost operations of the company and raise its stature in Nigeria.

Cotecna has a strong worldwide network with about 100 offices and a dedicated workforce of over 4000 employees and agents. Cotecna global operations include many developing countries, where one of its business objectives is to assist government to increase their revenues by helping combat trade fraud and corruption.

MEDIA VISITATION TO CDIL SCANNER SITE

COTECNA PARTNERS MAN TO ENHANCE TRADE AT THE PORT - Azeez Adeosun, Lagos

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited for the introduction of a special fast track for some MAN members at the ports. This will also include a special help desk to handle quickly any concerns and problems of MAN members who are on the MAN Fast track and who have been placed on the green channel.

This development will further enhance overall trade and commerce, as well as ensure faster movement of goods from ports to plants. This was confirmed by the first ever Nigerian Managing Director of Cotecna, Mr Tayo Rabiu , at a special partnership development visit to MAN Headquarters in Lagos ..

The Director General of MAN, Mr Jide Mike, while receiving a top delegation of Cotecna to the MAN Centre, stated that the quick clearance of goods from the ports, is vital in not only helping Nigerian manufacturers be more competitive, but it also strengthens Nigeria's position and potential as a major hub of trade and commerce in the region..

The MAN Director General, also expressed satisfaction with the great improvement at the speed in issuing RAR (Risk Assessment Reports) by Cotecna, and the impressive volume of over 500 RAR reports being issued daily, with each RAR report being issued in less than 12 hours.

Mr. Mike noted that the goal to achieve 48 hours clearance must be addressed with all seriousness by all stakeholders. "We also believe that this is achievable. It is a very important issue to MAN members, and we are pleased that Cotecna is working closely with the Nigerian Customs and all the key stakeholders to make this a reality."

Mr. MIke, also applauded Cotecna's value added service in its provision of value quest investigation module to the Nigerian Customs, as well as in its investment in training, capacity development and most importantly, transfer of technology.

“In the past, most companies have been paying a lip service to transfer of technology and development of Nigerians at the highest level. But we are delighted to note that this is now changing. The appointment of a Nigerian Managing Director, by Cotecna, is not only the piece of good news, but the fact that such positive developments are happening at this point in time, is a clear demonstration, that Nigerians are now taking their place on the world stage and are standing out in managerial prowess and integrity."

At the occasion, the Cotecna Managing Director, confirmed that, Cotecna now has 7 state of the art scanners, with a 24 hours service now operational at Apapa port. The scanners are also backed up with a comprehensive service programme and expert management, to ensure their peak performance all year round.

"We are turning out Risk Assessment Reports faster than ever before and we are investing heavily in training and capacity development. Our training spans across our company, the banks, importers and the Nigeria Customs. We now have Nigerians, who have been trained to fully operate the scanners. We are fully committed to the continued success of destination inspection in Nigeria , and the achievement of a seamless operation."

Mr. Rabiu also commended MAN for the education and information of their members and for their genuine commitment to the rapid development of the Nigerian industrial landscape. “We also note with satisfaction, the efforts by MAN to keep industrial issues on the front burner of national discourse. We will give MAN our full support, especially in the areas of training, enlightenment and knowledge sharing,” he stated.    

Cotecna is one of the world’s leading trade inspection, security and certification companies. The Company is a global authority in the inspection industry for over 30 years. Cotecna combines state-of-the-art technology and knowledge transfer with innovative, tailor-made services to improve and secure trade environments around the world.

Cotecna Invests in Solar-Powered Borehole in Kano State.                     Israel Bolaji, Lagos

The solar-powered borehole which was provided by the multinational trade security service provider was to alleviate the plight of the community which lacks safe pipe borne water with the provision of, long lasting and easy to maintain.

He said: “As the company continues to pursue its business obligations and operational goals, it also recognises strongly the importance of playing an active and committed roles in the communities in which it operates. Our corporate support programs are made in the areas of greatest humanitarian needs; water, health and education. These are the core areas where we concentrate resources to impact lives because countless diseases are attached to intake of impure water”.

“We also took the country’s challenges in the areas of power and electricity into consideration hence the choice of a borehole that could be powered by the sun, via the solar energy. This is to offer the community a complete solution to the dearth of drinkable water”, Rabiu reassured. 

According to the Cotecna boss, “The project is a good story of success and the success clearly highlights the company’s clear commitment to offer unparalleled layers of people-focused services, expertise and supports to the Nigerian trade community and the country at large. We are glad about this project in Nigeria and highly inspired by the mass acceptance and enthusiasm of the receiving community. The huge turnout of community dwellers at this occasion attests to this; we would continue to invest resources into this and extend these offerings within our support scope of education, health and water to other communities.

Rabiu further stated that Cotecna has a strong worldwide network with about 100 offices and a dedicated workforce of over 4000 employees and agents. Cotecna has operations globally, including many developing countries, where one of our business objectives is to assist government to increase their revenues by helping combat trade fraud and corruption. In these countries, we understand the impact and influence that our activities have on surrounding communities.

“We therefore as a good corporate citizen recognise our responsibility for social, community and environmental support and are involved with local communities to identify how we can best help the underprivileged, especially in the rural areas” he added.

Commenting on similar support for other African countries, he highlighted the company’s contributions to Tanzania, Burkina Faso and Niger. He said: “For the fifth year running, Cotecna has donated educational supplies for about 3000 children, and also stationeries, computers and construction of classrooms in Niger in collaboration with the local authorities, government and teachers. Cotecna has regularly contributed to the education and well being of local communities through donations of school equipment as well as with sports, social and health programs in Tanzania and Burkina Faso.

In his remarks, the District Head and traditional ruler of Tsanyawa community, Alhaji Abdullahi Sarki-Aminu expressed deep gratitude to the company, adding that other companies should emulate the kind gestures of Cotecna and support the local communities. He said government alone cannot develop all the rural areas but genuine support projects like this could make life better and safer for the community dwellers, and also help reduce the fast growing rural-urban drift.

The Chairman of Tsanyawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Tijani Yankamaye shared the same views with the community ruler. Yankamaye restated the community’s eagerness to take proper care of the projects but added that the community like many others are in dire need of health facilities and equipment. He said community dwellers too should enjoy quality healthcare services like the people in the city, adding that it would aid higher productivity.

“Many people in the communities are farmers and would produce better results with good health like they say health is wealth. There is a great need for our beloved country to focus more on agriculture, and every effort to improve the conditions of living in the rural areas and give enlightenment programs for better understanding has a direct connection with promoting agriculture”, the LGA boss said.  

Also addressing the excited villagers, Ms Alison Bourgeois, Cotecna’s Vice President Corporate Communications, commended the villagers and local authorities for their sense of understanding. She said the company decided to do the project when it discovered the need, and would offer more assistance to communities gradually.

Illustrating the uniqueness of the project, she stated that Cotecna deemed it fit not to only provide a borehole but has provided one handled by experts and certified as durable, safe and environmental friendly.

Ms Bourgeois further restated the company’s commitment to provide innovative solutions and tailor made services to improve and secure the trading environment, while delivering added values to customers to ensure smooth and safe trade flow. She concluded that Cotecna would continually strive to offer the best and ensure quality through uncompromising expertise, diligence and professionalism.