The US Chamber of Commerce, U.S.-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC), and American Business Council (ABC) met at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Abuja to strengthen trade relations.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the deployment of 22 additional scanners at seaports, airports, and border stations to enhance cargo clearance and facilitate trade.
NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada made this announcement in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja following a quarterly meeting with American business organisations.
The meeting included the US Chamber of Commerce, its US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC), and the American Business Council (ABC).
Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, stated that the engagement aimed to strengthen collaboration and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Adeniyi, represented by Caroline Niagwan, Deputy Comptroller-General for Tariff and Trade, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to institutional reforms and digital transformation.
“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent and responsive customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” he said.
He noted that the meeting allowed for the exchange of perspectives, addressing emerging concerns, and strengthening partnerships with American businesses in Nigeria.
Adeniyi said predictable customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance, and effective dispute resolution are essential for improving the business environment—nce and support businesses seeking investment opportunities in Nigeria.
Oluyomi Adebakin, Deputy Comptroller-General for ICT and Modernisation, highlighted efforts to automate license and permit applications to improve efficiency.
Adebakin stated that the service is deploying 22 additional scanners and introducing digital platforms to streamline operations nationwide.
He added that the NCS is transitioning to paperless administrative processes to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Adebakin encouraged businesses to provide feedback on operational challenges to help the service identify gaps and improve procedures.
Kendra Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, recognised the service’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
Gaither said effective customs operations are critical to advancing investment opportunities in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and the digital economy.
She also expressed appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the NCS and the American business community.
Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, commended the service’s progress in trade facilitation, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
Olele congratulated the NCS for being recognised as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council Compliance Assessment. She also acknowledged improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Rulings, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
She added that quarterly engagements between the service and businesses have helped resolve longstanding challenges affecting commercial operations.
