The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed that customs reforms and trade facilitation are critical to unlocking Africa’s economic potentials and enhancing exporters’ competitiveness globally.
Adeniyi made this known on Friday, 5th September 2025, in Algiers, Algeria, while delivering a keynote address at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025).
He stressed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), working with other African customs administrations, is committed to promoting transparency, efficiency, and innovation to strengthen continental trade.
“Customs reforms are no longer optional; they are essential for Africa to realise its full potential in trade. We must prioritise efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the Service has embarked on wide-ranging modernisation programmes, including digitalising clearance processes, improving enforcement mechanisms, and building capacity to ensure a seamless trading environment.
The IATF, inaugurated in 2018, has become Africa’s premier platform for trade, investment, and economic exchange. The 2025 edition is projected to generate about $44 billion in deals, attracting thousands of exhibitors, governments, and investors.
Highlighting Nigeria’s growing role in regional trade, Adeniyi announced that the country has secured the hosting rights for IATF2027, a development widely seen as recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in economic reforms and regional integration.
“With Nigeria hosting IATF2027, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to showcase the impact of our reforms and demonstrate how Customs can drive sustainable economic growth,” he added.
