CGC Adeniyi Engages Uae Embassy To Deepen Trade Ties, Customs Cooperation
Abuja, Nigeria — April 30, 2026
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on April 29, 2026, held a high-level diplomatic engagement with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Nigeria in Abuja, aimed at strengthening trade relations and customs cooperation between both countries.
During the meeting, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed, congratulated Adeniyi on his emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO), describing the achievement as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that the partnership between Nigeria and the UAE has recorded notable growth, particularly in non-oil trade between 2023 and 2025.
According to the Ambassador, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been forwarded to further strengthen cooperation between both countries’ customs administrations, especially in areas of trade facilitation and improved customs operations.
He described the Comptroller-General as a key partner in advancing bilateral relations and maintaining strong trade performance between both nations.
In his response, Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to deepening collaboration with the UAE to enhance legitimate trade.
He noted that both countries have recorded significant improvement in trade relations over the past two years and stressed the importance of making trade easier, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“We are happy to work with the UAE to show the true nature of trade. We also want to make trade easier, especially for SMEs, and use this partnership to bring Customs administrations closer,” he said.
The Customs chief also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation in addressing individuals who engage in activities capable of damaging Nigeria’s international trade reputation, noting that enhanced collaboration would improve security, trust, and economic growth.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining and expanding bilateral trade relations for mutual economic benefit.
