The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to address economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Adeniyi made the call on Thursday, September 18, 2025, when MAN’s Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, paid him a courtesy visit at the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
The Customs chief stressed the need to set a new agenda that goes beyond immediate concerns, noting that lasting partnerships can only thrive when both parties understand each other’s challenges and approach solutions with clarity and commitment.
He acknowledged MAN’s structured internal processes, where policy issues are debated across its ten sectors and more than sixty sub-sectors before harmonisation by its Economic Policy Committee.
“The only way to build lasting friendship, collaboration and partnership is when we understand, from both sides, what the issues are. When you are challenged, you become sensitive to everything that will get you out of the situation you find yourself in,” Adeniyi said.
He pointed to several trade facilitation initiatives already in place including the Authorised Economic Operator programme, Advanced Ruling, Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, and the creation of dedicated special desks — as part of efforts to ease the business environment.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the Service is preparing for a major stakeholders’ conference in November to chart a collective path for the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are looking forward to setting an agenda that goes beyond the issues on the ground. After your consultations, you can get back to us so we can fix a date and venue for a wider meeting. If it makes it easier, we are ready to travel to Lagos to meet manufacturers at their base. We need to keep this conversation going without delay,” he assured.
On his part, Ajayi-Kadiri described Customs as an indispensable partner in Nigeria’s economic recovery, stressing that MAN is committed to dialogue, not confrontation.
“I am happy that once again we are reigniting what we used to have. Many developments in the economy require us to accelerate this engagement, expand it and make it work,” he said.
Ajayi-Kadiri also commended Adeniyi for his openness to dialogue, noting that MAN’s structured approach to policy ensures that its positions reflect the realities faced by manufacturers across the country.
