By Efe Onodjae

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has described China as Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, stressing the need for stronger bilateral customs cooperation to boost legitimate trade and curb illicit economic activities.

Adeniyi stated this in Abuja while receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd.), during a strategic engagement at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters.

The Customs boss said the growing trade volume between Nigeria and China underscores the importance of enhanced collaboration between both countries, particularly in the areas of trade facilitation, cargo clearance efficiency and enforcement operations.

According to him, discussions during the meeting centred on strengthening legitimate trade relations and improving regulatory compliance among Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.

He disclosed that some Chinese firms have already been integrated into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which is designed to promote faster cargo clearance and reward compliant traders operating within international best practices.

Adeniyi further revealed that the Nigeria Customs Service maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to support trade transparency, intelligence sharing and stronger customs cooperation between both nations.

He stressed the need for harmonised trade data between Nigeria and China, noting that discrepancies in trade figures could affect accurate trade analysis and revenue planning.
The CGC also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening border management and facilitating seamless trade through the nation’s ports and entry points.
On enforcement, Adeniyi said the Service is committed to preventing Nigeria from becoming a transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking and other forms of transnational smuggling linked to global trade networks.

He also called for deeper cooperation in addressing illegal mining activities and strengthening intelligence-driven enforcement operations.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Dambazau (Rtd.), commended the Customs leadership for its role in facilitating international trade and protecting the nation’s economy.

He noted that closer engagement with the Service would enhance Nigeria’s trade interests in China and improve bilateral economic relations between both countries.

Dambazau further stressed the need to reduce cargo clearance delays, strengthen certification processes and tighten regulations guiding imports from China to prevent abuse of trade policies for unlawful activities.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between Nigeria and China would further improve trade efficiency and deliver greater economic benefits for both countries.