Nigerian, Malaysian Customs Deepen Strategic Ties on Trade Facilitation, Border Security
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) have advanced efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on trade facilitation and border management, following high-level engagements in Malaysia.
The development came during an official visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to the RMCD Headquarters on the sidelines of his participation at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Malaysia 2026.
The Comptroller-General was received by his Malaysian counterpart, Director-General Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, with both officials holding strategic discussions focused on institutional collaboration, customs modernisation, and coordinated border management systems.
The engagement reflects the growing trade relationship between Nigeria and Malaysia, with Nigeria’s imports from Malaysia rising significantly from ₦159.9 billion in 2020 to ₦716.0 billion in 2024. Cumulative trade between both countries has reached approximately ₦1.82 trillion over the past five years.
Adeniyi stressed the need for a structured and formalised customs-to-customs partnership, noting that Malaysia remains a key trading partner to Nigeria. Major imports include crude palm oil, refined palm olein, jet fuel, machinery, and other industrial inputs. He highlighted the critical role of customs administrations in facilitating legitimate trade while safeguarding economic and national security interests.
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Both parties acknowledged the absence of a formal legal framework governing their customs cooperation despite longstanding trade ties. To address this, they agreed to initiate steps toward establishing a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the framework of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), to be pursued through diplomatic channels.
The RMCD also showcased its evolving border management system, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), an integrated frontline border control structure. In response, the NCS outlined its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme and other trade facilitation measures aimed at ensuring efficient clearance processes, reducing costs, and improving compliance.
Both sides emphasised the importance of enhanced collaboration in intelligence sharing, enforcement coordination, and the deployment of technology-driven solutions to combat illicit trade and transnational trafficking.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships as part of its broader modernisation agenda. It noted that outcomes from the engagement are expected to boost operational capacity, improve trade facilitation, and reinforce border security in support of Nigeria’s economic growth objectives.
During the visit, the Comptroller-General also met with officials of the Nigerian Diplomatic Mission and Defence Office in Malaysia, commending their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s interests and supporting citizens abroad.
By PRNigeria
