Customs CG, Adeniyi Calls for Stronger Partnership with Manufacturers to Boost Economic Reforms
The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for an improved partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to support ongoing economic reforms.
CGC Adeniyi stressed the need for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and MAN to build a lasting relationship by fostering a deeper understanding of their respective challenges.
He made these remarks while hosting the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of setting a new agenda that goes beyond immediate concerns, explaining that enduring collaboration can only be achieved when both parties approach issues with clarity and commitment.
The Customs boss noted that broader stakeholder buy-in remains central to sustainable solutions while acknowledging MAN’s structured internal processes, where issues are debated across its ten sectors and more than sixty sub-sectors before policy positions are harmonised by its Economic Policy Committee.
“I have always said that the only way for you to appreciate what can bring lasting friendship, collaboration and partnership is when we understand from both sides what the issues are. When you are challenged, you become quite sensitive to everything that will get you out of the situation you find yourself in,” the CGC stated.
He pointed out several initiatives that the Service has rolled out to improve trade facilitation, including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advanced Ruling, Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, and the creation of dedicated special desks.
CGC Adeniyi disclosed that preparations were underway for a conference later in November, aimed at bringing Customs and key stakeholders together to chart a path forward for the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are looking forward to a situation where we will set an agenda that goes beyond the issues on the ground. There are a number of initiatives already on course, and we would like MAN to be part of them.
“After your consultations, you can get back to us so that we can fix a date and venue for a wider meeting. If it would make it easier, we are ready to travel to Lagos to meet with manufacturers at their base. We need to keep this conversation going without delay,” he remarked.
He added that such a forum would provide an opportunity for robust discussions with all stakeholders across MAN’s diverse sectors.
On his part, Ajayi-Kadiri mentioned that there should be no gap or roadblock between the two institutions, describing Customs as an indispensable partner in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“I am happy that once again we are reigniting what we used to have. Many developments in the economy require us to accelerate this engagement, expand it and make it work,” he said.
The MD commended CGC Adeniyi for his openness to ideas, reiterating that MAN’s structured approach to policy ensures that every decision reflects the realities faced by manufacturers across the country.
He further affirmed that the association’s concern was to strengthen engagement, not confrontation, particularly on issues affecting industries under pressure.
