The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic cooperation with the Indian Customs Administration.
The two sides advanced discussions on key customs issues on the margins of the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission in Brussels, Belgium.
Led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigerian delegation met with Surjit Bhujbal, a senior member of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), to evaluate progress made under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) signed between both countries on November 16, 2024.
The bilateral engagement focused on enhancing cooperation in customs valuation, transfer pricing, and ongoing conversations around the integration of customs and tax systems.
The meeting also addressed growing concerns over the international trade in substandard pharmaceutical products, with both countries acknowledging recent successful seizures in Nigeria as a direct result of improved intelligence sharing and operational synergy.
CGC Adeniyi stated that the partnership would contribute to more efficient risk management, enhanced revenue assurance, and stronger trade controls.
The CMAA was signed during the Prime Minister of India’s state visit to Nigeria last year, underscoring both countries’ commitment to advancing trade, security, and institutional collaboration.
Bhujbal said India regards Nigeria as a crucial partner in Africa and is keen to deepen technical cooperation on valuation, combat revenue leakage through transfer pricing schemes, and share experience integrating customs with tax systems.
The WCO Policy Commission is a high-level platform where customs leaders worldwide deliberate on policy direction, global trade facilitation, and enforcement standards.
Nigeria’s active participation highlights its dedication to international best practices and the modernisation of its customs systems.
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