The Nigeria Customs Service has agreed to deepen structured engagements with the American Business Council aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.
According to a statement on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this when he received a delegation from the American Business Council, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Margaret Olele, in Abuja last week.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said the NCS has, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation, and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
He stated that the Service has prioritised reforms that enhance predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline processes and reduce delays during cargo examination and documentation.
The CGC assured the delegation that the Service would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate.
He emphasised that trade facilitation remains a shared responsibility among multiple agencies, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue to resolve issues as they arise.
The Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the NCS.
She acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
She added that many American companies operating in Nigeria have reported improved clarity in customs procedures over the past year.
According to her, “Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the NCS Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns.”
Olele also appreciated the CGC for personally receiving the delegation, noting that his presence demonstrated the Service’s commitment to partnership.
She stressed that enhanced cooperation between the NCS and the private sector will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both sides later agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging issues, and keep communication channels open for American companies operating in the country.
In recent times, the NCS has entered into several collaborations aimed at boosting trade.
The NCS signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement with India’s Customs administration to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
This agreement is aimed at streamlining border clearance, facilitating faster movement of goods, reducing trade costs, and improving enforcement of customs laws through information exchange and joint actions.
