The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to modernise its operations through a high-level strategic engagement with China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC). The meeting, which took place in Beijing on July 25, 2025, marked a significant step toward deepening international cooperation and enhancing customs capacity across both nations, according to National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada.
High-Level Delegation Meets Chinese Counterparts
Led by Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin, Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), a 21-member delegation of senior NCS officers met with top officials from GACC’s International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre, and the Shanghai Customs College. The engagement focused on bilateral knowledge exchange, training innovations, and technology adoption in customs administration.
Showcasing China’s Cutting-Edge Training Systems
During the engagement, Chinese officials highlighted their advanced training infrastructure, including the use of virtual reality (VR), 5G-enabled platforms, and blended e-learning methods. In 2024 alone, China’s customs authorities conducted more than 8,000 physical training sessions and created over 360 online courses aimed at enhancing officer competence and operational efficiency.
Nigeria’s Active Role in China-Led Customs Initiatives
The discussions underscored Nigeria’s strong participation in China’s international customs training programs. Since 2023, more than 200 African customs officers—including 89 from Nigeria—have benefited from training in critical areas such as trade facilitation, anti-smuggling strategies, digital port operations, and food safety supervision.
Global Recognition for Nigeria’s Customs Leadership
Chinese officials commended recent reforms within the NCS and celebrated Nigeria’s growing role in global customs affairs. Of particular note was the election of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council—an achievement hailed as a major milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy.
Expanding Horizons: New Collaboration Frontiers
Both sides expressed interest in developing officer exchange programmes, joint research projects, and regional intelligence cooperation. Nigeria is also expected to participate in upcoming Customs Modernisation Courses and officer development programmes at Shanghai Customs College.
The engagement was facilitated by the Platform Business Development Agency, whose founder coordinated the session as part of ongoing efforts to support customs reforms, enhance ease of doing business, and build institutional capacity in line with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Commitment to Reform and Excellence
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to modernising its operations, strengthening human capital, and forging strategic international partnerships that align with global best practices.
