The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have reached a strategic resolution to strengthen bilateral trade relations and eliminate operational bottlenecks hindering American business interests in the Nigeria.

The partnership was formalised during a joint quarterly engagement held on Tuesday at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja where both parties deliberated on avenues to enhance border security, streamline cargo clearance, and deepen economic ties between Nigeria and the United States.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, noted the critical role of sustained public-private sector dialogue in driving systemic economic reforms.

He said that the consultative forum would be fully integrated into the agency’s official operational framework.
He said “It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the Customs calendar because of the importance we attach to this kind of engagement.”

The Customs boss also briefed the American investors on the rapid deployment of several trade facilitation mechanisms designed to ensure port efficiency and transparency.

He highlighted ongoing structural developments, including the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, the Post-Clearance Audit protocol, the newly introduced B’Odogwu digital platform, and the ongoing integration of modern cargo scanners.

President of the American Business Council, Nneka Enwereji, said the bilateral talks have been highly productive urging the NCS leadership to continue to prioritise the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s trade hubs.

“This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business.
“You have raised the bar, and there is a lot that can be learned from this,” Enwereji said.