Customs, American Business Council Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Trade Facilitation
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, received a delegation of the American Business Council (ABC) on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja, with both sides agreeing to deepen structured engagements aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence.
Welcoming the delegation, CGC Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service has, in recent years, made deliberate efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation and regular engagement with industry players.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
He stated that the Service has prioritised reforms that enhance predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline processes and reduce delays during cargo examination and documentation.
Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, the CGC assured the delegation that Customs will continue to address operational challenges within its mandate. He emphasised that trade facilitation remains a shared responsibility among multiple agencies and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue to resolve issues as they arise.
Speaking earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the Nigeria Customs Service. She acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
She added that many American companies operating in Nigeria have reported improved clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
According to her,
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the legal framework of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to address remaining concerns.”
Olele also appreciated the CGC for personally receiving the delegation, noting that his presence demonstrated the Service’s commitment to partnership.
She stressed that enhanced cooperation between Customs and the private sector will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both sides later agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging issues and keep communication channels open for American companies operating in the country.
Representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, U.S. Embassy among other representatives participated in the meeting.
