NCS deepens global partnerships with over 20 customs agencies

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is expanding cooperation with more than 20 customs administrations worldwide as it steps up efforts to modernise trade facilitation and border management systems.

Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs said the partnerships are part of a broader push to strengthen institutional collaboration, improve cross-border coordination and align Nigeria’s customs operations with global standards amid growing complexity in international trade.

He made the disclosure at a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception in Abuja, which brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of missions, and senior government officials in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening international cooperation, trade relations, and institutional partnerships.

He said sustained engagement with international counterparts remains central to improving efficiency at Nigeria’s borders and enhancing the country’s trade competitiveness.
“We recognise and appreciate your contributions to strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The Service remains committed to providing the support and services required for diplomatic missions to operate effectively in Nigeria,” he said.

Adeniyi said the agency’s cooperation with global customs authorities is anchored on structured frameworks covering knowledge exchange, capacity development and operational coordination designed to improve trade facilitation and border management.

He said the initiative reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of global trade, where customs administrations must work more closely to address compliance challenges, security risks and supply chain disruptions.

According to him, modern customs administration requires deeper international coordination as goods flows become more complex and enforcement responsibilities increasingly cross national boundaries.
“Sustained collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions, and security agencies remains critical to achieving efficient border security, enhanced revenue generation, and improved economic competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global trade environment,” he said.

The event was also attended by Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff, Tunji Disu,
Inspector-General of Police, senior customs officials and other top representatives from key security and government agencies.

Adeniyi added that such engagement platforms provide opportunities to build trust and identify practical areas of cooperation in trade facilitation and border governance.

He said the service is also focused on improving operational efficiency through digital systems, inter-agency coordination and expanded international partnerships aimed at reducing bottlenecks and strengthening revenue collection.

During the engagement, diiplomatic representatives and senior government officials commended the customs service for deepening institutional ties and maintaining open channels of communication with international partners, according to officials present.

The Service has in recent years increased its participation in global customs networks as part of broader reforms aimed at improving border management, strengthening compliance systems and boosting trade efficiency.