Nigeria Customs Strengthens Trade Relations With United States

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened trade and economic relations with the United States through a quarterly engagement with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre and the American Business Council in Abuja.

Speaking at the engagement, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to institutional reforms, digital transformation, transparency and improved trade facilitation.

She noted that predictable customs procedures, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution were essential to boosting investor confidence, promoting international trade and creating a more favourable business environment.

Also speaking, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Oluyomi Adebakin, announced plans to deploy 22 additional scanners across the country’s seaports, airports and border stations.

She added that the Service was also working towards automating licence applications and introducing paperless administrative processes to improve operational efficiency, reduce delays and enhance service delivery.

The US-Africa Business Centre and the American Business Council commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the progress recorded, particularly in stakeholder engagement, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme and efforts to address challenges affecting businesses.

The engagement provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation, addressing trade-related concerns and creating a more transparent and efficient trading environment between Nigeria and the United States.