Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Sign Landmark Customs Agreement to Bolster Border Security, Trade Efficiency
…As CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment to Enhanced Compliance and Global Customs Diplomacy
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have formalised an agreement to strengthen cooperation in customs matters.
The historic signing took place on Thursday, 26th June 2025, as a significant side event during the ongoing 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The agreement, titled the Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters, was signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for Nigeria, and the Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, for Saudi Arabia.
Speaking after the ceremony, CGC Adeniyi hailed the milestone as a defining moment in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy and an affirmation of the Service’s dedication to modern border governance, efficient trade facilitation, and enhanced enforcement.
“This agreement provides a strong platform for operational synergy in tackling customs offences, sharing intelligence, and ensuring fair and accurate application of customs laws,” he stated. “It aligns with our broader efforts to modernise Customs, promote transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global trade ecosystem.”
The bilateral accord establishes a robust framework for mutual administrative assistance covering areas such as customs enforcement, classification, valuation, revenue protection, and coordinated border management.
It is anchored on internationally recognised legal instruments, particularly the WCO’s 1953 Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance, as well as other global conventions to which both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia are parties.
CGC Adeniyi further noted that the agreement goes beyond enforcement, presenting a valuable opportunity to drive innovation, foster mutual trust, and promote efficiency in customs administration.
“Nigeria is proud to join hands with Saudi Arabia in advancing a future where customs operations are smarter, faster, and more cooperative. This partnership is a strategic step towards secure and simplified trade across borders,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi commended the initiative, describing it as a reflection of shared values and a common vision for streamlined trade and effective customs processes.
“Saudi Arabia welcomes this partnership with Nigeria. Our customs administrations face similar challenges, and through this agreement, we aim to share knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard our economies from illicit trade,” Governor Abanmi remarked.
Under the terms of the agreement, both nations pledge mutual support through joint investigations, exchange of customs-related data, and collaboration in enforcing prohibitions and restrictions in line with their national laws.
The agreement is open-ended, with provisions allowing for amendments or termination via written notification through diplomatic channels.
The signing is the latest in a series of strategic engagements by the NCS under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, aimed at deepening international partnerships and elevating Nigeria’s profile in the global customs community.
