West Africa’s Trade Awakening Begins at the Nigeria–Ghana Border
By Abdulsalam Mahmud
There is a quiet awakening taking shape across West Africa’s borders. From the rolling frontiers of Nigeria to the bustling crossings of Ghana, the old narrative of rivalry and suspicion is slowly giving way to a new chapter built on mutual trust, shared growth and purposeful collaboration.
It is the story of two neighbours realising that their prosperity is tied to each other’s progress. That vision found new life on Monday, November 3, 2025, when the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, led a high-powered delegation to the Headquarters of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Customs Division in Accra.
The meeting, held with the Commissioner-General of the Division, Brigadier General Glover Annan, was more than a courtesy visit—it was a reaffirmation of friendship and a firm commitment to shape a safer, more prosperous subregion. The atmosphere at the engagement reflected the deep respect between both leaders.
With their teams seated side by side, discussions revolved around the shared challenges that confront their nations and the untapped opportunities that lie within the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both men spoke of the urgent need to strengthen cooperation, improve intelligence sharing and modernise Customs operations to match the realities of a rapidly integrating Africa.
In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Annan extended a warm welcome to the Nigerian delegation and expressed his country’s readiness to renew and deepen operational ties with the Nigeria Customs. He spoke with conviction about the importance of partnership in securing Africa’s economic borders and promoting lawful trade across the continent.
“Our nations are united not just by history and culture but by a shared vision to strengthen customs operations,” he said. “The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to inspire reforms and innovation in Ghana, and we see great opportunities in renewing our collaboration.”
His words carried the weight of sincerity. For decades, Ghana and Nigeria have stood as economic giants in the subregion—linked by trade and tradition, yet often hampered by gaps in coordination. But under the new leadership of both Customs administrations, a stronger foundation is being laid to close those gaps and foster seamless trade under AfCFTA.
General Annan commended the Nigeria Customs for championing the Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), a continental initiative developed in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank and supported by the World Customs Organisation. He said the programme reflected the forward-thinking spirit that Africa’s integration agenda requires.
He further noted that the forthcoming C-PACT Conference, scheduled to hold in Abuja from November 17 to 19, would serve as an important platform for Customs administrations across the continent to exchange ideas, strengthen cooperation, and develop frameworks that will promote transparency, facilitate lawful trade, and drive sustainable economic growth.
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In his response, CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian Customs leadership, describing the visit as both symbolic and strategic. He explained that criminal networks have continued to exploit operational gaps between African Customs administrations to traffic dangerous substances and contraband goods, which in turn threaten the security and economic stability of the region.
He stressed that enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana was not just desirable but necessary for safeguarding their borders and protecting their economies. “We must bridge the gaps between our administrations because these are the same weaknesses that transnational criminals exploit,” he said. “The more we work together, exchanging intelligence and building capacity, the stronger we will be against these syndicates.”
Adeniyi recalled that both countries had, in 2001, signed a memorandum of understanding on Customs cooperation. However, he noted that the agreement needed to be reviewed and updated to reflect contemporary realities, emerging technologies, and the dynamic changes introduced by the AfCFTA framework. “It would be my wish that we take a second look at that agreement and breathe new life into it,” he said.
“We can identify new areas of collaboration that align with today’s challenges and the future we envision for African trade.” The Customs chief explained that his visit was also aimed at seeking Ghana’s support for the upcoming C-PACT Conference and exploring broader strategies for joint border operations, intelligence-led enforcement and trade facilitation across the subregion.
He said such cooperation would not only check criminal activities but also promote legitimate commerce and job creation. “Our mission,” Adeniyi continued, “is to strengthen the role of Customs as a major promoter of AfCFTA. We want to increase the volume of trade within Africa and ensure that trade becomes a true driver of growth and prosperity for our people.”
His words reflected the broader vision of a continent that trades with itself, builds for itself, and prospers together. The meeting also featured technical discussions between senior officials from both administrations, focusing on data exchange, digital customs systems and harmonised tariff procedures. These conversations underscored the shared recognition that efficiency and transparency are key to unlocking Africa’s trade potential.
As the engagement drew to a close, both leaders expressed optimism that the renewed partnership would translate into stronger enforcement at the borders, a freer flow of legitimate goods and a more secure trading environment for businesses and citizens alike. They pledged to continue building on the momentum that the meeting had generated.
For many observers, the encounter between Nigeria and Ghana’s Customs chiefs represented more than institutional diplomacy. It symbolised a continental awakening—one where African nations no longer look outward for solutions but inward, towards shared strength and regional solidarity.
In a region often defined by its challenges, the partnership between the Nigeria Customs and the Ghana Revenue Authority is a reminder that cooperation remains the key to transformation. The renewed spirit of collaboration between these two agencies offers hope that Africa’s trade future can be built on trust, technology and teamwork.
Trade, indeed, has a new story in West Africa. It is a story of friendship forged in service, of two nations choosing partnership over competition, and of leaders who see beyond their borders to the shared destiny that binds their people together.
*Mahmud, Deputy Editor of PRNigeria, wrote in via: [email protected].*
