NCS and NACCIMA Partner to Boost Trade and Ease Business in Nigeria
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged to work more closely with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to improve trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border management in the country.
The assurance came from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a meeting with NACCIMA’s new National President, Jani Ibrahim, and his team at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi explained that collaboration is key to balancing the responsibilities of Customs. While revenue generation and national security are priorities, he stressed that trade facilitation must not be left behind.
New Measures to Support Businesses
To make trade easier, Adeniyi announced that special desks will be created for NACCIMA members to quickly address issues relating to Customs processes. This move is expected to cut delays and create smoother operations for businesses.
He noted that reforms such as the Authorised Economic Operator programme, the indigenous digital platform B’odogwu, and Time-Release Studies are already simplifying trade processes, reducing cargo dwell times, and encouraging transparency at Nigerian ports.
Private Sector Commitment
NACCIMA President, Jani Ibrahim, praised Customs reforms and congratulated Adeniyi on his recent recognition as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council. He described the achievement as proof of Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade.
Ibrahim further proposed the creation of a Joint Technical Facilitation Committee with representatives from both NCS and NACCIMA to ensure measurable progress in their collaboration. He emphasized that such cooperation would not only reduce the cost of doing business but also position Nigeria more competitively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“True economic growth happens when government agencies and the private sector work hand in hand to simplify trade, cut costs, and open doors of opportunity for businesses and citizens alike.”
A Call for Inclusive Trade
“Revenue and security are important, but to succeed in both, we must also strengthen trade facilitation,” said CGC Adeniyi. “Collaboration with stakeholders like NACCIMA is central to achieving this balance.”
The partnership between NCS and NACCIMA signals a new chapter for businesses in Nigeria. By working together to simplify processes, reduce costs, and remove trade barriers, both organizations are setting the stage for a more competitive Nigerian economy under AfCFTA. Entrepreneurs, importers, and exporters stand to benefit directly from these reforms, which could improve efficiency and profitability across industries.
