NCS, Nigeria’s China Envoy Align Strategies to Boost Legitimate Trade, Strengthen Enforcement

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), have aligned strategies aimed at strengthening legitimate trade relations between both countries while intensifying efforts against illicit economic activities.

This formed part of discussions when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received the envoy on Wednesday 20 May 2026, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, CGC Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and stressed the need for stronger collaboration to improve trade facilitation, enhance enforcement operations and ensure transparency in bilateral trade transactions.

According to him, the Service remains committed to supporting legitimate businesses while tightening measures against smuggling, illegal wildlife trade and other transnational economic crimes.

The Customs Boss disclosed that the NCS already maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), describing the arrangement as critical to strengthening bilateral customs cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Adeniyi noted that Dambazau’s military background and leadership experience had well-positioned him for the diplomatic assignment, expressing confidence in his ability to advance Nigeria’s strategic interests in China.

He informed that some Chinese companies are already enrolled in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, adding that those adhering to trade regulations and global best practices have continued to receive commendation from the Service.

According to him, the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), a framework designed to facilitate legitimate trade and deepen bilateral customs cooperation between both countries.

The Comptroller-General stressed that the Service cannot operate in isolation, underscoring the importance of inter-agency collaboration in harmonising operations and strengthening trade facilitation across all entry points.

On data integrity, Adeniyi called for greater consistency in trade statistics, noting that figures released by both countries should align, with no significant discrepancies in bilateral trade analysis.

“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” he said.

On enforcement, Adeniyi said the Service is committed to ensuring Nigeria does not become a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking, while calling for enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing with Chinese authorities. He equally urged closer collaboration on curbing illegal mining activities and strengthening data-driven border operations.

In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that it was his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters. He said sustained engagement with the NCS would ease his assignment and help maximise the benefits of the Nigeria-China bilateral relationship.

Dambazau drew attention to the role of Customs in facilitating trade under zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, stressing the need for reduced cargo clearance times, robust certification processes, and stricter regulation of imports from China. He cautioned against the exploitation of trade policies for unlawful gains.

“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria and China trade relations,” he stated.