Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have signed a pact aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, received a delegation of the ABC on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, when both sides sealed the collaboration agreement.
While welcoming the delegation, CGC Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service had, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” Adeniyi said.
He disclosed that the Service had prioritised reforms that enhanced predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline processes and reduce delays during cargo examination and documentation.
Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, the CGC assured the delegation that the NCS would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate.
He stressed that trade facilitation remained a shared responsibility among multiple agencies and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue to resolve issues as they arise.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, reiterated the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the Nigeria Customs Service.
She acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
She added that many American companies operating in Nigeria had reported improved clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns,” she said.
Olele also appreciated Adeniyi for personally receiving the delegation.
She noted that his presence demonstrated the Service’s commitment to partnership.
She stressed that enhanced cooperation between Customs and the private sector would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both sides later agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging issues and keep communication channels open for American companies operating in the country.
Representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, U.S. Embassy among other representatives participated in the meeting.
