Nigeria Customs, US Business Community Strengthen Partnership on Trade Facilitation

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving trade facilitation and strengthening economic ties with the United States through closer engagement with American businesses.

The commitment was highlighted during a quarterly meeting between the Service, the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC) and the American Business Council (ABC), held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting on 28 October 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the engagement would deepen bilateral cooperation and promote a more conducive business environment for investors.

Niagwan said the Service was pursuing institutional reforms, operational efficiency and digital transformation to build a transparent and responsive Customs administration.

She stressed that predictable customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution were essential to improving the ease of doing business and boosting investor confidence.

According to her, the meeting provided an opportunity to address emerging concerns and exchange views on challenges confronting American businesses operating in Nigeria, as well as prospective investors.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, disclosed that the Service was automating licence and permit applications as part of efforts to streamline its operations.

She said the NCS was also planning to deploy 22 additional scanners across seaports, airports and border stations, while introducing digital platforms to improve efficiency and reduce administrative bottlenecks.

Adebakin called on members of the business community to provide feedback on the new initiatives, noting that their contributions would help identify operational challenges and improve service delivery.

The President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, commended the Customs Service for its role in Nigeria’s economic development.

She noted that efficient Customs operations were critical to ensuring that the benefits of trade facilitation reached businesses and ordinary citizens.

Gaither identified agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and the digital economy as key sectors where effective Customs administration could unlock investment opportunities.

She also welcomed the continued partnership between the NCS and the American business community.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, praised the Service for improvements in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Olele also congratulated the NCS on its emergence as one of the top-ranked agencies in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment.

The Council further acknowledged progress in the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution, noting that the quarterly engagements had helped address longstanding challenges faced by businesses.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private sector collaboration and create a more predictable and efficient trade environment for businesses in Nigeria.