In a landmark diplomatic move to strengthen international customs collaboration, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.
The agreement was formalised on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a side event at the ongoing 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Describing the agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy, CGC Adeniyi noted that the partnership will enhance operational synergy, promote transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global trade framework.
“This agreement offers a robust platform for cooperation in combating customs offences, intelligence sharing, and ensuring consistent application of customs laws,” Adeniyi stated. “It reflects our commitment to modernise customs operations and build trusted global alliances.”
The bilateral pact provided a legal framework for administrative assistance in areas such as customs enforcement, classification, valuation, revenue protection, and joint border management. It draws from global best practices, including the WCO’s 1953 Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance.
“This isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about building smarter, faster, and more collaborative customs systems. Nigeria is ready to shape the future of international customs through strategic partnerships like this,” Adeniyi added.
On his part, Governor Abanmi lauded the agreement as a vital step toward enhancing efficiency and securing trade channels between the two countries.
“Saudi Arabia values this partnership. Our customs agencies face similar challenges, and through this cooperation, we aim to share expertise, reinforce enforcement, and protect our economies from illicit trade,” he said.
The agreement allowed both parties to collaborate in investigations, share customs data, and enforce trade-related laws, including those concerning prohibitions and restrictions. The accord is indefinite, with provisions for amendment or termination through diplomatic correspondence.
This signing marked a significant step in Nigeria’s international customs engagement, reinforcing its position as a forward-looking nation in global trade governance.
