Ambassador-designate to Germany, Ita Enang, has urged ambassadors-designate and diplomatic representatives to engage with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning before deployment to gain a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s economic and development priorities.

This came as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intensified efforts to strengthen international trade relations, transborder security and institutional partnerships through strategic engagement with the diplomatic community.

Speaking during a high-level diplomatic reception at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja at the weekend, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the service was expanding its global footprint through structured collaboration frameworks with more than 20 customs administrations worldwide.

Enang spoke in Abuja at the weekend during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite.

According to him, such engagements would enhance diplomats’ understanding of the country’s developmental needs and help attract appropriate collaboration from their host countries.

“Similar engagements by other ambassadors-designate and diplomatic representatives before their deployment to missions worldwide will provide valuable insights into Nigeria’s policy priorities and development aspirations,” he said.

Enang expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Germany, noting that the briefing formed part of a presidential directive requiring ambassadors-designate to engage with relevant government institutions and acquire the knowledge needed to represent Nigeria’s interests effectively abroad.

He also commended the ministry’s leadership for providing a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s economic planning framework, development priorities, and agenda for international cooperation.

Responding, Bagudu praised Enang for seeking a deeper understanding of the ministry’s mandate and its role in advancing Nigeria’s development objectives.

Meanwhile, Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has said the service was expanding its global footprint through structured collaboration frameworks with more than 20 customs administrations worldwide.

Adeniyi said the partnerships focus on knowledge exchange, capacity development and operational synergy aimed at improving trade facilitation and border management.

“We recognise and appreciate your contributions to strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The Service remains committed to providing the support and services required for diplomatic missions to operate effectively in Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed that sustained collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions and domestic security agencies remains essential for efficient border security, enhanced revenue generation and improved economic competitiveness.

According to him, modern customs administrations must maintain continuous engagement and trust-building across borders to address emerging challenges in security and compliance, adding that platforms such as the diplomatic reception create opportunities for dialogue, relationship-building and expanded cooperation.

The event was attended by ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of missions, senior government officials and security chiefs, including the Chief of the Air Staff and the Inspector General of Police.