The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting legitimate trade with China while intensifying efforts to curb illicit economic activities through stronger enforcement and enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, during a meeting with Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi described Dambazau as a familiar figure to the Service, citing his military background, leadership credentials, and distinguished public service career as qualities that would strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in China.
He noted that China remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and said discussions focused on strengthening strategic trade relations and promoting legitimate business operations involving Chinese companies in Nigeria.
According to the Customs boss, several Chinese companies are already participating in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, while compliant firms adhering to international trade standards and regulations continue to receive recognition.
Adeniyi also revealed that the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to deepen bilateral customs cooperation and facilitate legitimate trade between both countries.
He stressed that the Service cannot function in isolation, emphasizing the need for collaboration with other government agencies to harmonise operations and improve trade facilitation.
The CGC further stated that trade statistics released by Nigeria and China should correspond closely, noting that major discrepancies in trade analysis between both countries must be addressed.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” Adeniyi stated.
On enforcement, the Customs chief said Nigeria is taking steps to ensure the country does not become a transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking. He called for stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation between both nations to combat transnational crimes.
He also advocated closer collaboration in tackling illegal mining activities, saying improved border enforcement and data-driven operations were essential to addressing the challenge.
In his remarks, Dambazau expressed appreciation for the warm reception, noting that it was his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters.
He said sustained engagement with the NCS would enhance his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China relations.
The ambassador-designate also highlighted the importance of Customs in facilitating trade under zero-tariff arrangements for African countries. He stressed the need for faster cargo clearance, stronger certification systems, and tighter regulation of imports from China to prevent abuse of trade policies for unlawful gains.
“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria and China trade relations,” Dambazau said.
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