The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have agreed to deepen collaboration through structured engagements aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and reinforcing investor confidence in Nigeria.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, while receiving a delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House in Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to transparency, institutionalised stakeholder consultation and sustained engagement with the private sector. He noted that effective dialogue with business operators remains central to the success of any modern Customs administration.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Comptroller General said the NCS has prioritised initiatives that improve predictability for traders, including the deployment of the One-Stop-Shop model across major commands to streamline cargo examination and documentation processes, thereby reducing delays.
Addressing concerns raised by ABC member companies, Adeniyi assured the delegation of Customs’ readiness to resolve operational challenges within its mandate. He emphasised that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among border agencies and stressed the need for continuous dialogue to promptly address emerging issues.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of ABC, Margaret Olele, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the long-standing relationship between the Council and the NCS. She commended the Service for noticeable improvements in port operations, communication channels and the handling of trade-related enquiries.
According to Olele, many American companies operating in Nigeria have experienced greater clarity and consistency in Customs procedures over the past year. She expressed optimism about the ongoing modernisation reforms implemented under the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, describing predictability and transparency as critical factors for business growth.
She also thanked the Comptroller General for personally receiving the delegation, noting that his engagement reflected Customs’ commitment to partnership with the private sector. Olele added that closer cooperation between Customs and businesses would significantly enhance Nigeria’s investment climate.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to hold quarterly engagement sessions to review progress, address outstanding issues and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by representatives of ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac, the U.S. Embassy, and other stakeholders.