The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have restated their commitment to fostering stronger trade relations and resolving operational challenges affecting businesses through sustained collaboration.
The commitment was made during a quarterly stakeholder engagement held on June 16th, 2026 at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The two parties deliberated on measures to enhance trade facilitation, strengthen supply chain security, and deepen economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Addressing participants at the meeting, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the value of continuous stakeholder engagement, describing it as a critical driver of effective policy implementation and improved service delivery.
He disclosed that the engagement would be institutionalized as a regular feature of the Service’s operational calendar.
Said Adeniyi, “It is our intention to institutionalize this engagement as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of interaction.”
The Customs CG provided updates on several key trade facilitation initiatives being implemented by the Service, including the Advance Ruling System, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Post Clearance Audit mechanisms, the B’Odogwu platform, as well as ongoing enhancements in scanning integration and cargo clearance processes designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance.
Representatives of the American Business Council commended the reforms introduced by the Service and acknowledged the positive impact of the ongoing modernization efforts.
They, however, advocated for faster resolution mechanisms to address lingering business concerns and further improve the operating environment for investors.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, ABC President, Nneka Enwereji, described the engagement as highly productive and lauded the Customs leadership for its proactive approach to facilitating trade and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
“This session has been exceptional and clearly reflects your commitment to improving the ease of doing business.
“The Service has set a commendable standard, and there is much that can be learned from these initiatives,” she said.
The meeting further underscored the shared commitment of both organizations to strengthening dialogue, enhancing trade efficiency, and creating a more conducive environment for economic growth and investment.
