The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade relations with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities through enhanced bilateral cooperation and enforcement measures.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi described Dambazau as a seasoned leader whose military background and wealth of experience have positioned him well for the diplomatic assignment, expressing confidence in his ability to advance Nigeria’s interests in China.
Highlighting the strategic importance of China to Nigeria’s economy, the Customs boss noted that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, adding that discussions centred on improving trade relations and ensuring compliance among Chinese companies operating in the country.
He revealed that some Chinese firms have already been integrated into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, while compliant companies continue to receive recognition for adhering to global trade standards and regulations.
According to Adeniyi, the NCS also maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to facilitate legitimate trade and enhance customs cooperation between both countries.
The CGC stressed the need for stronger synergy among government agencies, noting that effective trade facilitation requires coordinated operations and harmonised trade policies.
He further emphasised the importance of accurate trade data between both countries, stating that trade figures released by Nigeria and China should correspond without major discrepancies.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” Adeniyi stated.
On enforcement, the Customs boss said the Service was committed to preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking and called for deeper collaboration and intelligence sharing between both nations.
He also advocated closer cooperation in tackling illegal mining activities, noting that improved border enforcement and data-driven operations remain critical to addressing transnational crimes.
In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him, describing the visit as his first official engagement at the Customs Headquarters.
He said stronger collaboration with the NCS would enhance the success of his diplomatic mission and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China relations.
Dambazau underscored the critical role of Customs in facilitating trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, while calling for faster cargo clearance, improved certification procedures and stricter monitoring of imports from China.
He warned against the misuse of trade policies for illegal activities, stressing the need for sustained cooperation between both countries.
“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria-China trade relations,” he said.
