The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have strengthened their partnership aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and boosting investor confidence.
The partnership was renewed when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, hosted a delegation of the ABC at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi welcomed the delegation, noting that the NCS has, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation, and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service has prioritised reforms that enhance predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) initiative across major commands to streamline processes and reduce delays during cargo examination and documentation.
He assured the delegation that Customs will continue to address operational challenges within its mandate, stressing that trade facilitation remains a shared responsibility among multiple agencies.
The CGC further highlighted the importance of sustained dialogue to resolve issues as they arise.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, stated that the visit was aimed at reinforcing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service.
Olele acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels, and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
She affirmed that many American companies operating in Nigeria have reported improved clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns,” the CEO noted.
Olele also appreciated the CGC for personally receiving the delegation, stating that his presence demonstrated the Service’s commitment to partnership.
She stressed that enhanced cooperation between Customs and the private sector will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both sides later agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging issues, and keep communication channels open for American companies operating in the country.
Representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, and the United States Embassy, among others, participated in the meeting.
