Customs Partners NACCIMA to Boost Trade Facilitation

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to enhance trade facilitation.

This development followed the courtesy visit of the newly elected National President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, and his management team to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, 21 August 2025.

During the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi reaffirmed the Agency’s Commitment to closer collaboration with NACCIMA to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border management.

He expressed appreciation for the association’s commendation and endorsement of ongoing Customs reforms.

The CGC 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,” he stated. “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.”

Speaking, NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation 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.

Ibrahim extolled Customs for reforms such as the introduction of the Authorised Economic Operator programme, deployment of indigenous digital platforms known as B’odogwu, Time-Release Studies and improvements to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report.

He noted that these innovations were already 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,” he said.

He stressed 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).