Customs Tightens Border Enforcement As Nigeria Deepens China Trade Partnership

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening border enforcement and deepening trade cooperation with China as both countries seek to enhance legitimate economic activities and curb illicit trade.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday while receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and said the discussions focused on improving trade relations, strengthening customs cooperation, and promoting legitimate business operations involving Chinese firms operating in Nigeria.

According to him, the Service is intensifying border surveillance and enforcement measures to ensure Nigeria does not become a transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking, smuggling, and other illicit economic activities.

He noted that the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), aimed at enhancing customs cooperation, intelligence sharing, and trade facilitation between both countries.

The CGC stated that some Chinese companies operating in Nigeria are already participating in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, adding that compliant firms have continued to enjoy recognition for adhering to global trade standards and regulations.

He stressed that effective customs administration requires stronger collaboration among government agencies to harmonise trade operations and improve efficiency at the borders.

Adeniyi also emphasised the need for accurate trade data between Nigeria and China, noting that trade figures released by both countries should align to eliminate discrepancies in bilateral trade analysis.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” he said.

Speaking further on enforcement efforts, the Customs boss called for stronger cooperation in tackling illegal mining activities and enhancing intelligence-driven border operations.

In his remarks, Dambazau expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him during his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters, noting that closer engagement with the NCS would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and trade objectives in China.

He highlighted the strategic role of Customs in supporting trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, stressing the need for faster cargo clearance processes, improved certification procedures, and stricter regulation of imports from China.

Dambazau also warned against the misuse of trade policies for unlawful activities, adding that sustained collaboration between both countries would help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China trade relations.