Customs, US Chamber of Commerce Deepen Partnership to Boost Trade, Investment
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has renewed its commitment to strengthening trade relations with American businesses, as it deepens collaboration with the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre (USAfBC) and the American Business Council (ABC) to improve trade facilitation and attract investment.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a quarterly stakeholder engagement held on October 28, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters ICT Auditorium in Maitama, Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the engagement would further strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
She reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, digital transformation and stronger stakeholder relations, stressing the need for a modern and responsive Customs administration.
“Our objective is to build a modern, transparent, and responsive Customs administration that facilitates trade while ensuring effective revenue collection, border security, and compliance with applicable rules and regulations,” she said.
Niagwan explained that the meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to exchange perspectives, address emerging trade concerns and strengthen cooperation with American businesses operating in Nigeria or seeking investment opportunities in the country.
She emphasised that predictable customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution mechanisms were critical to improving the business environment and strengthening investor confidence.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, highlighted ongoing digitalisation initiatives aimed at simplifying customs operations and improving service delivery.
She disclosed that the Service was automating licence and permit applications and planning to deploy 22 additional cargo scanners across seaports, airports and border stations.
Adebakin also highlighted the transition towards paperless administrative processes and the introduction of digital platforms to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks and enhance efficiency.
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She urged members of the business community to provide regular feedback on their experiences with Customs procedures to help identify operational challenges and improve service delivery.
In her remarks, the President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its contribution to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that efficient customs operations were fundamental to successful trade and investment.
She observed that the importance of Customs to economic activities was often overlooked when trade processes functioned effectively.
“When Customs works well, when trade is facilitated, people are the ultimate beneficiaries,” Gaither said.
She noted that efficient customs administration was essential to unlocking investment opportunities across critical sectors, including agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and the digital economy.
Gaither also expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between the NCS and the American business community, stressing the importance of sustained engagement in addressing trade-related challenges and creating an enabling environment for investment.
Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended the Service for its progress in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement.
She congratulated the NCS on its emergence as one of the top-ranked agencies in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment, describing the recognition as an indication of progress in institutional reforms and service delivery.
The Council also acknowledged improvements in key trade facilitation initiatives, particularly the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution mechanisms.
It noted that the quarterly engagements had provided an effective platform for resolving longstanding business concerns and strengthening cooperation between Customs authorities and private-sector operators.
The engagement underscores the growing importance of Nigeria-US economic cooperation and the role of efficient customs administration in reducing trade barriers, improving the investment climate and expanding opportunities for businesses in both countries.
By PRNigeria
