The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities through enhanced bilateral cooperation and enforcement measures.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, made this known on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, during a meeting with the Ambassador-Designate to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi said the engagement focused on improving trade facilitation, tightening regulatory compliance, and ensuring that Nigeria’s economic partnership with China delivers mutual benefits.
He described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and noted that discussions centered on strengthening lawful business operations involving Chinese companies in Nigeria, many of which already participate in the Customs Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
The Customs boss also referenced the existing Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) between Nigeria and China, noting that it provides a framework for cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC).
According to him, stronger inter-agency collaboration and data alignment are essential to closing discrepancies in trade statistics and improving transparency in bilateral trade reporting.
“We must ensure stronger engagement and continuous communication to enhance trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” Adeniyi said.
On enforcement, he warned against illegal wildlife trafficking and illicit mining activities, stressing the need for intelligence sharing and improved border control mechanisms to protect Nigeria’s economic space.
The Ambassador-Designate to China, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), commended the Customs Service for its role in facilitating trade and said closer collaboration would enhance the effectiveness of his diplomatic assignment.
He emphasized the importance of reducing cargo clearance delays, strengthening certification systems, and preventing the abuse of trade frameworks under Nigeria-China economic relations.
Dambazau further noted that improved cooperation with Customs would help maximize the benefits of zero-tariff arrangements under Africa-China trade initiatives while ensuring compliance with global trade standards.
