Nigeria Customs, US Chamber of Commerce Strengthen Trade Relations.
Written by Queen Abayomi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening trade relations and improving business opportunities between Nigeria and the United States.
The commitment was highlighted during a quarterly engagement with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC), and the American Business Council (ABC) at the NCS Headquarters’ ICT Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja, on 28 October 2026.
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Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the meeting would strengthen collaboration and economic cooperation between both countries.
She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and improved stakeholder engagement.
According to her, the NCS aims to build a modern, transparent, and responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security, and compliance with relevant regulations.
Niagwan added that the engagement provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange ideas, address emerging concerns, and strengthen cooperation with American businesses operating in Nigeria or seeking investment opportunities in the country.
She stressed that predictable Customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance, and effective dispute resolution are essential to improving the ease of doing business and building investor confidence.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted the Service’s efforts to automate licence and permit applications and improve operational efficiency.
She disclosed plans to deploy 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports, and border stations. She also highlighted the introduction of digital platforms to streamline operations and the Service’s transition to paperless administrative processes.
Adebakin encouraged members of the business community to provide feedback on their experiences to help the Service identify challenges and improve service delivery.
The President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, commended the NCS for its contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
She noted that effective Customs operations are often overlooked when trade processes run smoothly, adding that efficient trade facilitation ultimately benefits the public.
Gaither also emphasised the importance of effective Customs operations in promoting investment across key sectors, including agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and the digital economy. She expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between the NCS and the American business community.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, praised the Service’s progress in trade facilitation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
She congratulated the NCS on its ranking as a top-performing agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment.
The Council also acknowledged improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Rulings, and dispute resolution mechanisms, noting that the quarterly engagements have helped address longstanding challenges faced by businesses.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service and the American business community to strengthening cooperation, improving trade processes, and creating a more favourable environment for investment in Nigeria.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 29th, 2026
