NCS, China Envoy Move to Deepen Legitimate Trade, Tackle Illicit Economic Activities

The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade relations with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities, illegal wildlife trafficking, and unlawful mining operations through enhanced bilateral cooperation and intelligence sharing.

This formed the crux of discussions on Wednesday at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner and stressed the need for stronger engagement between both countries to facilitate lawful trade and eliminate activities capable of undermining economic growth and border security.

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The Customs boss noted that Dambazau was well suited for the diplomatic assignment, citing his military background, leadership experience, and distinguished public service career. According to him, the envoy’s experience would further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and trade relations with China.

Adeniyi disclosed that the discussions centred on strategic trade relations, customs cooperation, and the operations of Chinese companies conducting legitimate business activities in Nigeria.

He revealed that some Chinese firms operating in Nigeria are already enrolled in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, adding that companies adhering to international trade regulations and global best practices had continued to receive recognition from the Service.

The Comptroller-General further explained that the NCS maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), aimed at supporting legitimate trade and enhancing customs collaboration between both countries.

According to him, effective trade facilitation cannot be achieved in isolation, emphasising the importance of collaboration among government institutions and international partners to harmonise operations and improve efficiency.

He also stressed the need for accurate trade statistics between Nigeria and China, stating that trade figures released by both countries should align without significant discrepancies.

“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” Adeniyi stated.

On enforcement measures, the Customs CG warned against the use of Nigeria as a transit corridor for illegal wildlife trafficking, calling for stronger cooperation and intelligence exchange to tackle transnational crimes.

He further advocated closer collaboration in addressing illegal mining activities, noting that improved border enforcement and data-driven operations would help curb illicit economic flows.

In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him during what he described as his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters.

He said sustained engagement with the Nigeria Customs Service would support his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China relations.

Dambazau also highlighted the critical role of Customs in facilitating trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, stressing the need to reduce cargo clearance time, strengthen certification procedures, and tighten regulations governing imports from China.

He warned against the abuse of trade policies for unlawful economic gains, insisting that effective collaboration between both sides remained essential to ensuring seamless trade processes and stronger economic ties.

“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria and China trade relations,” he stated.