The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to strengthen legitimate trade relations with China while stepping up measures to combat smuggling, illegal wildlife trafficking, and other cross-border economic crimes.
This renewed drive was highlighted on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, received Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the meeting, CGC Adeniyi described Dambazau as a seasoned leader whose military and public service experience positions him well to advance Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests in China.
He emphasised that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner, making stronger customs cooperation and trade coordination between both countries a strategic priority.
According to Adeniyi, discussions during the visit focused on enhancing legitimate trade channels, improving compliance among Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria, and reinforcing enforcement mechanisms against illicit trade activities.
He noted that several Chinese firms already participate in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which rewards compliant businesses with improved trade facilitation benefits.
The Customs boss also revealed that the NCS operates a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), aimed at promoting transparency, intelligence sharing, and smoother bilateral customs operations.
Adeniyi stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that effective trade facilitation requires alignment among government institutions and accurate trade reporting between both countries.
“We expect trade figures from Nigeria and China to reflect the same realities, without major discrepancies in analysis or reporting,” he said.
On enforcement, the CGC reiterated Nigeria’s determination to prevent the country from becoming a hub for illegal wildlife trafficking and illicit mining activities, calling for stronger intelligence exchange and operational collaboration with Chinese authorities.
In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau thanked the Customs leadership for the warm reception, describing the engagement as a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria-China economic relations.
He stated that sustained collaboration with the NCS would support his diplomatic assignment and help maximise trade opportunities between both countries.
Dambazau also underscored the importance of efficient cargo clearance systems, improved certification procedures, and stricter monitoring of imports to prevent abuse of trade policies.
He added that stronger Customs cooperation would enhance trade efficiency and ensure greater economic benefits for both Nigeria and China.
