Customs, NACCIMA Move to Ease Trade, Boost AfCFTA Gains
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renewed its resolve to partner with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to promote trade facilitation and expand Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, gave the assurance in Abuja on Thursday when he received the newly elected President of NACCIMA, Jani Ibrahim, and his management team at the Customs Headquarters, Maitama.
Adeniyi said the Service was committed to building stronger ties with the private sector, noting that effective collaboration remained key to balancing revenue generation, national security and trade facilitation.
READ ALSO: Customs, CDCFIB Pledge Stronger Synergy in Security Operations
“From the outset, my administration has been deliberate about the issue of collaboration. Revenue and security are important, but they cannot thrive in isolation. Trade facilitation must be strengthened to deliver real impact,” he said.
The Customs boss announced plans to create dedicated help desks for NACCIMA members to ensure faster resolution of trade-related issues and smoother implementation of Customs reforms.
On his part, NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, congratulated Adeniyi on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing the feat as “a source of pride for Nigeria and the African business community.”
He also applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend Adeniyi’s tenure, saying the gesture reflected trust in his reform-driven leadership.
Ibrahim commended the Service for bold initiatives, including the Authorised Economic Operator scheme, the indigenous B’odogwu digital platform, Time-Release Studies, and improvements to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, which, according to him, have already reduced cargo dwell time and improved Nigeria’s business climate.
He called for the creation of a Joint Technical Facilitation Committee made up of representatives of both organisations to serve as a platform for sustained dialogue, evaluation of progress and resolution of bottlenecks.
