Customs, China Envoy Move to Strengthen Legitimate Trade, Curb Illicit Activities

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade with China and curbing illicit economic activities through improved enforcement and bilateral cooperation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this on Wednesday while receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and said discussions focused on enhancing trade relations, improving customs cooperation and supporting legitimate business operations involving Chinese companies in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the NCS operates a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement with the General Administration of Customs of China to strengthentrade facilitation and bilateral customs collaboration.

The Customs boss also stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation to tackle illegal wildlife trade, illicit mining and other transborder crimes.

According to him, some Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are already participating in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator programme due to compliance with trade regulations and global best practices.

Speaking during the visit, Dambazau said closer engagement with the NCS would enhance Nigeria-China trade relations and improve trade processes between both countries.

He also called for reduced cargo clearance time, stronger certification processes and tighter regulation of imports from China to prevent abuse of trade policies.