The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legitimate trade with China while intensifying efforts to curb illicit economic activities through stronger bilateral cooperation and enforcement measures.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated this on Friday 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 training and experience had prepared him for the diplomatic assignment, expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s mission in China.
The Customs boss noted that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and said discussions during the meeting focused on strategic trade relations and legitimate business operations involving Chinese companies in Nigeria.
According to him, several Chinese firms are already participating in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, while compliant companies have continued to receive recognition for adhering to international trade standards and best practices.
Adeniyi also disclosed that the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to support legitimate trade and deepen customs cooperation between both countries.
He stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies to harmonise trade operations and improve trade facilitation.
The Comptroller-General added that trade data released by both Nigeria and China should align to avoid discrepancies in bilateral trade analysis.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” he said.
On enforcement, Adeniyi said Nigeria was working to prevent the country from being used as a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking, while calling for enhanced intelligence sharing and cooperation.
He also urged stronger collaboration in tackling illegal mining activities through improved border monitoring and data-driven operations.
In his remarks, Dambazau expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him, noting that it was his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters.
The envoy said closer collaboration with the NCS would enhance his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China trade relations.
He highlighted the critical role of Customs in supporting trade under zero-tariff arrangements for African countries and stressed the need for faster cargo clearance, stronger certification procedures, and tighter regulation of imports from China.
Dambazau also warned against the abuse of trade policies for unlawful activities, insisting that stronger cooperation between both countries would ensure smoother trade processes and deeper economic ties.
