Customs Deepens Ties with China on Training, Technology Enhancement
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
In a strategic move to advance international cooperation and enhance human capital development, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has engaged in a knowledge exchange with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), focusing on modernisation, digital integration, and customs training models.
The high-level engagement, held on Friday, 25 July 2025, in Beijing, was led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Oluyomi Adebakin. A 21-member delegation from the NCS participated in the visit.
According to a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the delegation met with officials from GACC’s International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre, and the Shanghai Customs College.
The bilateral talks spotlighted China’s innovative approach to customs training, including integrating 5G technology, virtual reality simulations, and hybrid e-learning systems. GACC officials revealed that more than 8,000 physical training sessions and 360 online courses were delivered in 2024 alone, reflecting the scale of China’s customs training infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s involvement in China-led customs development programmes also featured prominently in the discussions, with 89 Nigerian officers among the over 200 African customs personnel trained since 2023. Training areas have included trade facilitation, anti-smuggling tactics, food safety, and digital port operations,” the statement read.
The NCS spokesperson further noted that Chinese Customs officials expressed admiration for Nigeria’s recent institutional reforms and applauded the election of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
“They described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy,” Maiwada added.
Both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration through technical exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes, particularly in port systems and cross-border intelligence sharing.
The statement added that discussions also laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s future participation in Customs Modernisation Courses and officer development programmes at the Shanghai Customs College. The Platform Business Development Agency facilitated the engagement, and its founder coordinated the session to promote trade reform, ease of doing business, and institutional efficiency across the African customs landscape.
Speaking on the visit’s outcome, the Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional knowledge, expanding intergovernmental partnerships, and modernising its operations in accordance with international best practices.
The Service also emphasised that, under Comptroller-General Adeniyi’s leadership, it prioritises capacity development as a foundation for reform, regional integration, and the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
