The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, hosted a delegation of the American Business Council (ABC) at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja, where both sides committed to deepening structured collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and boost investor confidence.
Receiving the delegation, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the Service’s deliberate reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, stakeholder consultation and continuous engagement with industry players.
“No modern Customs administration can thrive without meaningful dialogue with the people who drive business across our ports and borders,” he said.
Adeniyi noted that the NCS has rolled out key initiatives particularly the One-Stop-Shop deployed across major commands to streamline cargo examination, reduce documentation delays, and improve overall predictability for traders.
Responding to concerns raised by ABC member companies, he assured that the NCS remains committed to addressing operational challenges within its mandate while emphasising that trade facilitation requires shared responsibility across government agencies. He called for sustained dialogue to quickly resolve emerging issues.
Earlier, the CEO of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the NCS. She commended what she described as “clear improvements in port processes, communication channels and the ease of resolving trade-related enquiries.”
According to her, many American companies in Nigeria have experienced improved clarity in Customs procedures over the past year.
“Predictability and transparency are essential for businesses. We are encouraged by the modernisation steps taken under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and look forward to building on this partnership to address outstanding concerns,” she said.
Olele also appreciated the CGC for personally receiving the delegation, describing his presence as a demonstration of the Service’s commitment to constructive partnership. She stressed that stronger cooperation between Customs and the private sector would significantly enhance Nigeria’s investment environment.
Both parties agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to track progress, address emerging challenges and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in the country.
The meeting had representatives from ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the U.S. Embassy, among others.
