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Nigeria Customs Strengthens Trade Ties with China

by admin on | 2026-05-22 15:39:10

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Nigeria Customs Strengthens Trade Ties with China

By Ahmad Sirajo Makama

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade relations with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities through improved enforcement and bilateral cooperation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and stressed the need for stronger collaboration to facilitate legitimate business operations and enhance trade efficiency between both countries.

He noted that several Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are already participating in the Nigeria Customs Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, adding that compliant firms have continued to receive recognition for adhering to global trade standards and regulations.

The Customs boss also disclosed that the Service maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to strengthen bilateral customs cooperation and support legitimate trade activities.

According to him, collaboration with other government agencies remains critical in harmonising operations, improving trade facilitation, and ensuring accurate trade data between Nigeria and China.

Adeniyi emphasised the importance of aligning trade statistics released by both countries to eliminate discrepancies in trade analysis and enhance transparency.

He further stated that continuous engagement and communication between the NCS and Chinese authorities would promote seamless trade operations and mutual economic growth.

On enforcement measures, the Comptroller-General said Nigeria is determined to prevent its territory from being used as a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking and other transnational crimes.

He called for stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation between both countries in tackling illegal mining activities and strengthening border enforcement through data-driven operations.

Responding, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that the visit was his first official engagement at the Customs Headquarters.

He said closer collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service would support his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China relations.

Dambazau also highlighted the strategic role of Customs in facilitating trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, while stressing the need to reduce cargo clearance delays, improve certification processes, and tighten regulations guiding imports from China.

He warned against the abuse of trade policies for unlawful activities and reiterated the importance of sustained cooperation between both countries.

“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria-China trade relations,” Dambazau said.