The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced its partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border management.
The partnership was renewed when the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the newly elected National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, and his management team at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to closer collaboration and expressed appreciation for the association’s commendation and endorsement of ongoing Customs reforms.
He noted that his administration had, from the onset, prioritised collaboration as a means of balancing revenue generation, national security, and trade facilitation.
“When I assumed office, one of the first things I was deliberate about was the issue of collaboration. Revenue and security are important, but to succeed in both, we must also strengthen trade facilitation.
“Today, I am pleased to inform you that we are fully on course with this collaboration. In that spirit, we will dedicate special desks for your members to resolve issues regarding the implementation of our processes,” the Customs boss said.
On his part, Ibrahim congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing it as “a well-deserved recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in customs administration.”
He also commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend Adeniyi’s tenure, calling it a vote of confidence in his transformational reforms.
The NACCIMA leader praised Customs reforms, including the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, deployment of indigenous digital platforms known as B’Odogwu, Time-Release Studies and improvements to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
He further highlighted the importance of the reforms, including reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, lowering cargo dwell time, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade.
“The private sector, through NACCIMA and the organised private sector, is fully committed to supporting Customs in achieving its mandate. We strongly advocate the establishment of a Joint Technical Facilitation Committee with representatives of both NACCIMA and Customs. This will provide a framework for regular consultation and measurable progress on all areas of collaboration,” Ibrahim stated.
He explained that such cooperation would not only reduce the cost of doing business but also position Nigeria more strategically under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
