Nigeria Customs slashes red tape, engages American Business Council
By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced investor confidence and trade ties with the United States following a high-level engagement with the American Business Council in Lagos.
The engagement brought together senior Customs officers—including the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi—executives of American companies, and key industry stakeholders to deliberate on trade facilitation, dispute resolution, regulatory reforms, and policy strategies aimed at improving Nigeria’s investment climate.
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Speaking at the forum, the CGC described stakeholder engagement as a critical pillar of modern customs administration, noting that sustained dialogue has played a key role in resolving longstanding operational challenges between the Service and the private sector.
He cited the recent resolution of a seven-year classification dispute involving a Council member as a clear example of the progress achieved through consistent engagement.
Adeniyi said, “Stakeholder engagement is one of the major pillars of any modern Customs administration. We have realised that when we address issues in a mutually beneficial manner, everybody becomes a winner.”
He also announced the introduction of a unified dispute resolution mechanism designed to streamline procedures, reduce delays, and lower the cost of resolving trade-related conflicts.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to transparency, ongoing modernisation reforms, and the creation of a business-friendly environment capable of attracting foreign investment.
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“This engagement forms part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader strategy to deepen partnerships with international business communities while enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth,” he added.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, commended the NCS for maintaining open communication with the private sector and taking practical steps to address longstanding trade concerns.
“We are seeing positive outcomes from these engagements, including the resolution of long-standing issues affecting our members. While not every concern can be resolved immediately, sustained dialogue helps balance national interests with the need for an efficient business environment,” Olele said.
