The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade relations and addressing challenges affecting business operations through sustained engagement between the public and private sectors.
The commitment was made during the quarterly meeting held on June 16, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, where stakeholders discussed measures to improve trade facilitation, enhance security, and strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the importance of regular consultations with key stakeholders, describing dialogue and collaboration as critical to improving the country’s trade environment.
He disclosed that the engagement with the American Business Council would be institutionalised as a permanent feature of the Customs Service calendar to ensure continuous interaction and prompt resolution of emerging issues.
“It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of engagement,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss also updated participants on several ongoing trade facilitation initiatives being implemented by the Service. These include the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Post Clearance Audit operations, the B’Odogwu platform, and efforts to improve scanning integration and cargo clearance processes.
According to him, the reforms are designed to enhance operational efficiency, promote compliance, reduce delays in cargo processing, and improve the overall ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Members of the American Business Council commended the Service for the reforms and acknowledged the progress made in modernising customs operations. They, however, urged the NCS to establish quicker mechanisms for resolving outstanding challenges affecting businesses and investors.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, its President, Nneka Enwereji, described the meeting as productive and applauded the Customs leadership for its commitment to creating a more business-friendly environment.
“This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business. You have raised the bar, and there is a lot that can be learned from this,” she said.
The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance transparency, and foster closer collaboration with the private sector in support of trade growth, investment, and economic development.
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