BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its push for stronger trade ties with China, unveiling fresh plans to deepen bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and border security enforcement.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and stressed the importance of building a more coordinated relationship that promotes legitimate commerce while cracking down on illicit trade activities.
The Customs boss expressed confidence in Dambazau’s diplomatic mission, noting that his military background, leadership experience, and long-standing public service record position him well to strengthen Nigeria’s strategic engagement with China.
According to him, discussions during the meeting centred on expanding lawful trade, improving regulatory compliance among Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria, and enhancing collaboration between Customs authorities in both countries.
He revealed that several Chinese companies have already been integrated into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme — a platform designed to encourage trusted and compliant trade partners through faster and more efficient cargo processing.
Adeniyi also disclosed that the NCS currently maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), aimed at boosting intelligence sharing, customs cooperation, and smoother trade procedures between the two nations.
He emphasised that achieving effective trade facilitation and border security requires strong inter-agency and international collaboration, insisting that Customs cannot operate in isolation.
The CGC further called for improved accuracy in trade statistics between Nigeria and China, stressing that data released by both countries should align to eliminate major discrepancies that could undermine economic planning and transparency.
“Continuous engagement and stronger communication between the NCS and Chinese authorities will improve trade efficiency and deliver greater economic benefits to both countries,” Adeniyi said.
On enforcement, the Customs helmsman warned that Nigeria must not become a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking and other transnational crimes, calling for deeper intelligence cooperation and joint enforcement operations.
He also advocated stronger collaboration in tackling illegal mining activities and strengthening data-driven border surveillance mechanisms.
In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau commended the Customs leadership for the warm reception, describing the meeting as his first official engagement with the Service since his appointment.
He noted that closer cooperation with the NCS would play a crucial role in advancing his diplomatic assignment and unlocking greater economic opportunities between Nigeria and China.
Dambazau highlighted the strategic role of Customs in facilitating trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, while also calling for faster cargo clearance systems, stricter certification procedures, and tighter monitoring of imports from China to prevent abuse of trade policies.
“Closer collaboration and sustained support from the Nigeria Customs Service will enhance seamless trade processes and strengthen Nigeria-China economic relations,” he stated.
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