by Niyi Jacobs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration through structured engagements aimed at improving trade facilitation and boosting investor confidence in Nigeria.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when he received a delegation of the ABC on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said the Service has, in recent years, deliberately institutionalised transparency, stakeholder consultation and regular engagement with industry players to enhance service delivery.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” the CGC said.
He explained that the NCS has prioritised reforms that improve predictability and efficiency for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline cargo examination, documentation and clearance processes.
Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, Adeniyi assured the delegation that the Service would continue to address operational challenges within its mandate. He emphasised that effective trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among multiple government agencies, stressing the need for sustained dialogue to resolve emerging issues.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.
She acknowledged what she described as significant improvements in port processes, communication channels and the resolution of trade-related enquiries, noting that many American companies operating in Nigeria have reported increased 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 Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns,” Olele said.
She also commended the CGC for personally receiving the delegation, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Service’s commitment to partnership with the private sector. According to her, stronger cooperation between Customs and businesses would further enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both parties agreed to quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging challenges and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
Representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy, among others, were present at the meeting.
