In a significant step toward enhancing international trade relations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a landmark Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) with Indian Customs.
The strategic partnership, signed on November 17, 2024, aimed to streamline trade operations, improve enforcement of customs laws, and foster greater collaboration between the two nations to tackle cross-border challenges such as smuggling and tax evasion. The agreement is part of the NCS’s broader efforts to strengthen global alliances and modernize its operations to facilitate legitimate trade while securing Nigeria’s borders.
The CMAA with India, finalized after years of negotiations, provided a comprehensive framework for information sharing, joint investigations, and the enforcement of customs laws. Key provisions of the agreement focus on reducing trade barriers, enhancing the accuracy of duties and taxes, and improving mechanisms for combating customs offenses. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both nations, with Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), leading the Nigerian delegation. On the Indian side, the agreement was signed by Dr. Sanjay Kumar, the Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
The partnership with India underscored the NCS’s commitment to enhancing its relationships with key trading partners. By fostering stronger ties with India—one of Nigeria’s largest trading partners—the NCS aims to create a more efficient and secure trade environment, ultimately benefiting businesses in both countries.
This development is part of a broader strategy by the NCS to modernize and enhance its operations through international partnerships. Over the years, the NCS has embraced various international frameworks, including the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards. These frameworks focus on reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing the security of global supply chains. The CMAA with India is a key element of this strategy, further solidifying the NCS’s commitment to building strong international relationships that drive economic growth while safeguarding national security.
In addition to the Indian partnership, the NCS has made significant strides with other nations, including the United States and China. A revived CMAA with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) aims to bolster intelligence sharing, combat cross-border crimes, and enhance enforcement capabilities. The agreement was discussed in July 2024 during a meeting between Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and U.S. CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus.
Similarly, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Customs, signed in May 2024, aimed to boost trade between the two countries and promote the interests of Nigerian SMEs, particularly in the e-commerce sector.
These efforts reflected the NCS’s recognition that global trade cannot function in isolation. By aligning itself with international frameworks and building bilateral relationships with key global customs agencies, the NCS ensured it remain at the forefront of trade facilitation and border security. The partnerships also included capacity-building initiatives and technological advancements, such as the implementation of electronic single windows and geospatial intelligence tools, designed to streamline operations and ensure compliance with global standards.
On the domestic front, the NCS continued its partnership with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat the importation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and safeguard public health.
The MoU signed in November 2024 further strengthened the collaboration. The signing was attended by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, and Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who emphasized the importance of this collaboration in ensuring the safety and quality of goods entering Nigeria.
Further highlighting the NCS’s commitment to regional integration, the Service has also played a crucial role in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Nigeria recently becoming a key player in intra-African trade. The NCS facilitated Nigeria’s first shipment under AfCFTA to Kenya in October 2024, demonstrating the organization’s dedication to regional economic integration.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic international and domestic partnerships are reshaping its operations, positioning the Service as a key player in global trade while ensuring that Nigeria benefits from secure, efficient,and transparent trade.
