The Nigeria Customs Service says it is intensifying efforts toward the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as the country prepares to host a major continental trade conference in Abuja.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this known while briefing journalists at the State House on the Service’s preparations for the Partnerships for African Customs and Trade (PACT) conference.
The present administration has made it clear that trade will be used as a major instrument for driving economic development and reducing poverty.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, explained that his renewed mandate from the President specifically lists African Continental Free Trade Agreement implementation as one of his key performance indicators.
He noted that the government’s policy direction includes de-congesting port areas, investing in port infrastructure, and adopting modern tools such as the national single window to enhance trade.
The Customs CG revealed that he has held engagements with customs administrations across Africa and the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure customs authorities are fully integrated into discussions on implementing the trade agreement.
He stressed that customs plays a central role in enforcing rules of origin, granting trade preferences, and gradually eliminating duties among African countries.
Adeniyi also highlighted the long-standing challenges in regional integration, especially under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, where many member states have struggled with compliance.
He said these challenges informed the push to deepen partnerships between customs administrations, economic operators, and institutions involved in cross-border trade.
With President Tinubu named Africa’s Champion of Intra African Trade and Nigeria selected to host the next Intra African Trade Fair, Adeniyi said several national agencies including the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and NEXIM Bank are already collaborating to redirect more Nigerian exports toward African markets.
He confirmed that over 30 African customs administrations have registered for the conference, with many represented at the Director General level. Private sector actors, including logistics providers, airlines, manufacturers, and shipping companies, make up the largest group of confirmed participants.
Adeniyi said the conference will begin with a session dedicated to private sector operators to hear firsthand the challenges they face, including non tariff barriers that hinder trade across the continent.
On revenue, the Customs CG noted that while revenue remains an important performance measure, the Service has strengthened its other mandates national security and trade facilitation through the deployment of new tools and operational systems.
These, he said, have contributed to major seizures of drugs, arms, and ammunition, as well as significant increases in revenue: a 70% rise in 2023 and a 101% rise in 2024.
He added that the Service is already on track to surpass its revenue performance for 2025.
Bello Wakili
