Nigeria Customs Strengthen Partnership To Boost African Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to position the country as a major hub within Africa’s single market by reinforcing its partnership with the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank). The collaboration is aimed at promoting intra African trade and addressing obstacles hindering the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a working visit by Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. George Elombi, to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.

Details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued by the Service on Sunday.

The engagement comes as African countries intensify efforts to maximise the opportunities offered by the AfCFTA, which seeks to establish a unified market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined gross domestic product valued at over $3.4tn.

During the discussions, both organisations explored strategies to improve trade facilitation, streamline customs procedures, strengthen regional transit systems, and simplify cross-border trade across the continent.

Adeniyi said the partnership is built on the shared conviction that Africa’s economic future depends largely on increased trade among African nations rather than reliance on overseas markets.

According to him, both institutions are translating that vision into practical cooperation through initiatives such as the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) and other trade facilitation programmes.

The Customs boss explained that the collaboration would reinforce Afreximbank’s regional transit initiatives, accelerate the establishment of one stop border posts along major trade corridors, and encourage the adoption of international best practices to improve customs administration.

He noted that support from Afreximbank has already produced encouraging results, including improved coordination, more efficient customs processes, and stronger collaboration among customs administrations across the region.

Adeniyi added that reducing border delays and administrative bottlenecks would lower trading costs, improve business competitiveness, and enhance economic productivity across Africa. He stressed that these objectives remain central to the partnership.

He also said the collaboration would strengthen customs operations and improve Africa’s competitiveness in international trade.

Speaking during the visit, Elombi commended the Nigeria Customs Service for taking a leading role in advancing regional economic integration. He described the Service’s reforms as a demonstration of leadership and commitment to transforming trade across the continent.

Elombi said Afreximbank possesses the financial resources needed to support Africa’s trade ambitions, while the Nigeria Customs Service has shown the determination required to implement meaningful reforms. He reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to support initiatives that facilitate trade and accelerate the full implementation of the AfCFTA.

He added that the partnership would help African businesses, manufacturers, and exporters take full advantage of opportunities created by the continental free trade agreement.

The meeting also reviewed the successful collaboration between both institutions during the maiden edition of the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade,held in Abuja in November 2025. The event brought together customs authorities, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to promote harmonised customs procedures, strengthen institutional capacity, and improve regional trade connectivity.