CGC Adeniyi Backs Interoperable Customs Systems to Drive AfCFTA

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has identified interoperable customs systems as critical to the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Customs Modernisation Project, saying harmonised digital platforms would improve trade facilitation across Africa.

According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, Adeniyi made the remarks during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026 in Lagos.

The Customs boss said the lack of harmonised technology among African customs administrations remained a major obstacle to the implementation of the continental trade agreement, stressing that interoperable systems would enable customs authorities across the continent to operate seamlessly and facilitate cross-border trade.

Adeniyi also welcomed the selection of Bergmans Security to drive the project, describing it as a milestone for Nigeria’s customs modernisation efforts and a recognition of the country’s progress in deploying digital solutions for customs operations.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, said the Secretariat adopted Nigeria’s customs modernisation model after observing its success in using digital technologies to improve revenue collection and operational efficiency. He expressed confidence that the partnership would support the development of a modern, interoperable customs system across Africa.

The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to strengthen customs cooperation among member states through harmonised digital platforms, improve trade facilitation, optimise revenue collection and accelerate the implementation of the continental free trade agreement.