NECA Applauds Nigeria Customs Service on Trade Facilitation Reforms
…As CG Adeniyi Pledges Continued Support for Business-Friendly Environment
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its recent wave of reforms and operational enhancements aimed at bolstering trade facilitation and improving the ease of doing business in the country.
The commendation came on Monday, 7 April 2025, when the President of NECA, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, led a high-level delegation on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The visit was part of efforts to deepen collaboration between the organised private sector and the Customs Service in pursuit of national economic development.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr Okoye applauded the Customs Service for its proactive stance in implementing forward-thinking trade policies and streamlining operational procedures.
He noted that the reforms – particularly the introduction of key trade facilitation tools such as Advance Ruling, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study – have significantly reduced bureaucratic delays and improved customs efficiency.
“We are here today to commend the Service for your impactful initiatives so far,” Dr Okoye stated. “NECA was established in 1957 to represent the interests of businesses in Nigeria. Today, with over 4,000 member companies across sectors, we continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s business landscape. We recognise the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical partner in this journey.”
He emphasised the importance of the reforms to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), noting that these measures are not only enhancing the business environment but are also crucial to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
“These reforms are not just policies on paper; they are impactful initiatives directly supporting Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs. We look forward to continued engagement with the NCS to ensure businesses thrive and the economy grows,” Dr Okoye added.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, expressed gratitude to NECA for its recognition of the Service’s efforts and reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to promoting a business-friendly climate.
He underscored the role of the NCS as both a regulatory and facilitative agency that is conscious of its impact on the national economy.
“I am always glad to partner with private enterprises,” CGC Adeniyi said. “At Customs, we’ve come to understand that our actions or inaction have a direct bearing on the kind of business environment we create. This is why we put a lot of premium on trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement.”
The Customs boss reiterated that the Service remains public-centric in its approach and will continue to simplify procedures, improve service delivery, and ensure compliance through constructive partnerships.
“We see ourselves not just as enforcers, but as facilitators. We are committed to walking with you every step of the way in building a better ecosystem for Nigerian businesses to flourish. Continuous dialogue like this drives meaningful progress,” he stated.
The visit concluded with a renewed pledge by both parties to strengthen ties and work collaboratively in creating a more enabling environment for trade and investment.
