Customs partners NACCIMA to reduce trade bottlenecks, improve revenue

By Kunle Sanni –

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to closer collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to strengthen trade facilitation, enhance revenue generation, and improve border management.

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi gave the assurance on Thursday, August 21, 2025, while receiving NACCIMA’s newly elected National President, Jani Ibrahim, and his team at the Service’s headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Adeniyi welcomed the private sector delegation and expressed appreciation for NACCIMA’s commendation of ongoing reforms in the Service. He said his administration had prioritised collaboration as a strategy to balance national security, revenue generation, and trade efficiency.

“When I assumed office, one of the first things I was deliberate about was collaboration,” Adeniyi said. “Revenue and security are important, but to succeed in both, we must also strengthen trade facilitation. In that spirit, we will dedicate special desks for your members to resolve issues regarding the implementation of our processes.”

Ibrahim congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing the feat as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in customs administration. He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend Adeniyi’s tenure, calling it a vote of confidence in his reform agenda.

The NACCIMA president highlighted Customs initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator programme, the deployment of an indigenous digital platform known as B’odogwu, Time Release Studies, and improvements to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report. He said these have reduced bottlenecks, shortened cargo dwell time, and boosted Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

He assured that the private sector, through NACCIMA and the organised private sector, is committed to supporting Customs in achieving its mandate. He also called for a Joint Technical Facilitation Committee with representatives of both parties to provide a framework for regular consultation and measurable progress.

Ibrahim stressed that deeper cooperation would reduce the cost of doing business and better position Nigeria under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).