NCS, China Envoy Deepen Alliance on Trade Facilitation, Anti-Smuggling Drive
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen legitimate trade relations with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit trade activities through stronger bilateral cooperation and enforcement measures.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi described Dambazau as a familiar figure within the Service, citing his military background, leadership experience, and distinguished public service career as strong assets for his diplomatic mission in China.
He expressed confidence that the envoy’s experience would help reinforce Nigeria’s strategic engagement with China, which he described as the country’s largest trading partner.
According to the Customs boss, discussions during the visit focused on enhancing trade relations, promoting legitimate business activities, and ensuring stricter compliance among Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
He revealed that some Chinese firms have already been integrated into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, while companies complying with international trade standards and regulations continue to enjoy Customs support and recognition.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to improve customs cooperation and facilitate lawful trade between both countries.
He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration, noting that Customs cannot operate independently if trade facilitation and border security objectives are to be effectively achieved.
The CGC also emphasised the need for accurate trade statistics between Nigeria and China, stating that trade data released by both nations should align without significant discrepancies.
“Continuous engagement and stronger communication between the NCS and Chinese authorities will improve trade efficiency and deliver greater economic benefits to both countries,” Adeniyi stated.
On enforcement matters, the Customs helmsman said Nigeria is determined not to become a transit hub for illegal wildlife trafficking, calling for deeper intelligence sharing and joint operations.
He also advocated stronger cooperation in tackling illegal mining activities and improving data-driven border enforcement strategies.
In his remarks, Dambazau thanked the NCS leadership for the warm reception, describing the visit as his first official engagement with the Service since his appointment.
The ambassador-designate noted that closer collaboration with Customs would support his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the gains of Nigeria-China economic relations.
He underscored the critical role of Customs in advancing trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, while advocating faster cargo clearance, stronger certification systems, and tighter monitoring of imports from China to prevent abuse of trade policies.
“Closer collaboration and sustained support from the Nigeria Customs Service will enhance seamless trade processes and strengthen Nigeria-China economic relations,” Dambazau said.
Leave feedback about this