Trade Talks: Customs Seeks Closer Ties With US Firms to Boost Trade Confidence

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria’s customs chief has met representatives of American businesses in Abuja, with both sides agreeing to step up structured engagement to improve trade facilitation and boost investor confidence.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, received a delegation of the American Business Council (ABC) at the Customs House in Maitama on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. He said the Service had made deliberate efforts in recent years to entrench transparency, regular consultation and closer engagement with industry players.

Mr Adeniyi said modern customs administration depended on sustained dialogue with businesses operating across ports and borders. He highlighted reforms aimed at improving predictability for traders, including the rollout of a One-Stop-Shop initiative at major commands to streamline cargo examination and documentation, and reduce delays.

Responding to concerns raised by ABC members, the customs chief said the Service would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate, while stressing that trade facilitation was a shared responsibility among several government agencies. He added that continued dialogue was essential to resolving issues as they emerged.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to strengthen ties with the Nigeria Customs Service. She noted what she described as clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the handling of trade-related enquiries.

Ms Olele said many American companies operating in Nigeria had reported greater clarity in customs procedures over the past year. She welcomed the modernisation measures introduced under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, describing predictability and transparency as critical to business operations.

She also thanked Mr Adeniyi for personally receiving the delegation, saying it underscored the Service’s commitment to partnership. According to her, closer cooperation between customs and the private sector would help strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.

Both sides agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging concerns and maintain open communication with American companies operating in Nigeria.

The meeting was attended by representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the US Embassy, among others.