The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration through structured engagements aimed at improving trade facilitation and reinforcing investor confidence in Nigeria.
The understanding was reached on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, when the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received a delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said the NCS has in recent years intensified efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation and sustained engagement with the business community. He noted that effective customs administration depends on continuous dialogue with industry players who drive trade across Nigeria’s ports and borders.
He explained that the Service has prioritised reforms designed to enhance predictability for traders, citing the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop initiative across major commands to streamline cargo examination, documentation and clearance processes, while reducing delays.
Addressing concerns raised by ABC member companies, the CGC assured that Customs would continue to tackle operational challenges within its mandate. He stressed that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among relevant government agencies and underscored the need for ongoing dialogue to promptly resolve emerging issues.
The Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at deepening the Council’s relationship with the Nigeria Customs Service. She acknowledged noticeable improvements in port processes, communication channels and the handling of trade related enquiries.
Olele disclosed that several American companies operating in Nigeria have reported increased clarity in customs procedures over the past year. She described predictability and transparency as critical to business operations, commending the modernisation efforts being implemented under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
She also thanked the Customs Boss for personally receiving the delegation, noting that his engagement reflected Customs’ commitment to partnership with the private sector. According to her, stronger collaboration between Customs and business operators would significantly enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to institutionalise quarterly engagement sessions to assess progress, address emerging challenges and maintain open communication channels for American companies doing business in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by representatives of major American companies, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco and Mantrac, as well as officials of the United States Embassy.
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