Customs, American Business Council Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Trade Facilitation

Abuja, December 10, 2025

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday received a delegation of the American Business Council (ABC) on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, as both parties agreed to deepen structured engagement aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.

Welcoming the delegation, CGC Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service has, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation, and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
He explained that the Service has prioritised reforms designed to enhance predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major Customs commands to streamline processes and reduce delays during cargo examination and documentation.

Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, the Comptroller-General assured the delegation that Customs would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate. He emphasised that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among multiple government agencies and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue in resolving issues as they arise.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Mrs Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service. She acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels, and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
She noted that many American companies operating in Nigeria have reported improved clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns,” Olele said.

She also commended the Comptroller-General for personally receiving the delegation, noting that his presence demonstrated the Service’s commitment to partnership with the private sector. According to her, enhanced cooperation between Customs and industry stakeholders would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.

At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging issues, and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
Representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, and the U.S. Embassy, among others, participated in the meeting.