Customs, Afreximbank Deepen Partnership to Boost Intra-African Trade

By Zainab Uzomah | Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have strengthened their partnership to promote intra-African trade, with both institutions agreeing to enhance trade facilitation, customs cooperation and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to a statement released to the press by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Aliyu Maiwada, the renewed commitment was made during a working visit by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Dr. George Elombi, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting reviewed the progress of existing collaboration between the two institutions and explored new areas of cooperation aimed at improving cross-border trade, customs modernisation and regional economic integration.

Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs said the partnership would support Afreximbank’s regional transit initiatives, accelerate the development of one-stop border posts along key trade corridors and promote the adoption of global best practices in customs administration. He added that the collaboration had already produced positive results in regional transit systems and would further enhance Africa’s competitiveness and expand opportunities for legitimate trade.

On his part, Afreximbank President Dr. George Elombi commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its leadership in advancing trade reforms across the continent and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting initiatives that facilitate trade and strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the maiden Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), held in Abuja in November 2025, which brought together customs administrations, development partners and private sector stakeholders to harmonise customs procedures, strengthen institutional capacity and improve trade connectivity across Africa.

Zainab Uzomah Eagles TV news.