Customs, American Business Council Deepen Partnership to Boost Trade Facilitation, Investor Confidence
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have agreed to strengthen structured engagement aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, improving operational efficiency and reinforcing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
This commitment was reaffirmed on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, when the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, received a high-level delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, CGC Adeniyi said the Service has, in recent years, deliberately pursued reforms designed to institutionalise transparency, deepen stakeholder consultation and sustain regular engagement with the business community.
He stressed that effective collaboration with industry players remains critical to the success of any modern Customs administration.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” Adeniyi said, noting that continuous engagement helps to align regulatory objectives with the realities of international trade.
The Comptroller-General explained that the NCS has prioritised reforms that enhance predictability and efficiency for traders.
He highlighted the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major Customs commands as a key intervention aimed at streamlining cargo examination, documentation and clearance processes, while significantly reducing delays at the ports.
Addressing concerns raised by ABC member companies during the meeting, Adeniyi assured the delegation that the Service would continue to tackle operational challenges within its mandate.
He, however, emphasised that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among multiple government agencies operating at the ports and borders, underscoring the need for sustained inter-agency cooperation and open dialogue with the private sector to resolve issues as they emerge.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Mrs Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to further strengthen the relationship between the Council and the Nigeria Customs Service.
She acknowledged what she described as clear improvements in port operations, communication channels and the overall ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.
Olele noted that several American companies operating in Nigeria have reported improved clarity and consistency in Customs procedures over the past year.
According to her, predictability and transparency are critical factors for business planning and long-term investment decisions.
“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,” she said.
She also commended the Comptroller-General for personally receiving the delegation, describing his direct engagement as a strong demonstration of the Service’s commitment to partnership and accountability.
Olele added that stronger cooperation between Customs and the private sector would significantly enhance Nigeria’s investment climate and competitiveness.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to institutionalise quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address emerging challenges and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by representatives of major American firms and institutions, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy, among others.
