Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the American Business Council, ABC, have agreed to deepen structured engagements aimed at improving trade facilitation and strengthening investor confidence, as part of broader efforts to enhance Nigeria’s business environment.
The understanding was reached when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received a delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said the Service has deliberately prioritised transparency, stakeholder consultation and consistent engagement with the private sector, stressing that effective Customs administration depends on strong collaboration with business operators.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the NCS has implemented reforms aimed at improving predictability for traders, particularly through the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major Customs commands to streamline cargo examination, documentation and clearance processes.
Addressing concerns raised by ABC member companies, the Customs boss assured that operational challenges within the Service’s mandate would continue to be addressed, while emphasising that trade facilitation cuts across multiple government agencies.
“Trade facilitation is a shared responsibility,” Adeniyi said, adding that sustained dialogue remains critical to resolving bottlenecks as they emerge.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was designed to strengthen institutional ties with the Nigeria Customs Service and support reforms that enhance ease of doing business.
She acknowledged what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries,” noting that several American companies operating in Nigeria have reported better clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses,” Olele said. “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.”
Olele also commended Adeniyi for personally receiving the delegation, describing his engagement as a strong signal of the Service’s commitment to partnership with the private sector. She added that closer cooperation between Customs and businesses would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both parties agreed to institutionalise quarterly engagement sessions to track progress, address emerging issues and sustain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by representatives of major American-linked firms and institutions, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the United States Embassy.
