Customs, US Business Council Deepen Trade Relations, Introduces Unified Dispute Resolution Mechanism
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to boost investor confidence and ease trade bottlenecks following a high-level engagement with the American Business Council (ABC) in Lagos.
The stakeholder meeting, held on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, brought together the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, senior Customs officers, executives of American companies, and key industry players to discuss trade facilitation, regulatory reforms, and strategies to improve Nigeria’s investment climate.
Addressing participants at the forum, Adeniyi described stakeholder engagement as a cornerstone of modern customs administration, noting that sustained dialogue between the Service and the private sector has helped resolve several longstanding operational disputes.
“Stakeholder engagement is one of the major pillars of any modern Customs administration. We have realised that when we address issues in a mutually beneficial manner, everybody becomes a winner,” he said.
The CGC cited the recent resolution of a seven-year classification dispute involving a member of the Council as evidence of progress achieved through constructive engagement.
Read Also:
As part of ongoing reforms, Adeniyi announced the introduction of a unified dispute resolution mechanism aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing delays, and cutting the cost of resolving trade-related conflicts.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to transparency and modernisation, stressing that the engagement with the American Business Council aligns with Customs’ broader strategy to deepen partnerships with international business communities while enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth.
“This engagement forms part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader strategy to deepen partnerships with international business communities while enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth,” he stated.
In her remarks, Executive Secretary of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, commended the NCS for sustaining open communication with the private sector and taking practical steps to address trade concerns affecting member companies.
“We are seeing positive outcomes from these engagements, including the resolution of long-standing issues affecting our members. While not every concern can be resolved immediately, sustained dialogue helps balance national interests with the need for an efficient business environment,” Olele said.
Industry observers say the renewed collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and American businesses is expected to further strengthen bilateral trade relations and support Nigeria’s drive to attract foreign direct investment.
By PRNigeria
