The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Indian Customs Administration have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, as both nations advanced key discussions on customs reforms and trade facilitation.

The Nigeria’s delegation, led by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, held a strategic meeting with Mr. Surjit Bhujbal, a senior official of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), during the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission held on June 25, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.

The high-level engagement reviewed the implementation progress of the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA), signed on November 16, 2024, during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Nigeria.

The bilateral engagement focused on enhancing cooperation in customs valuation, transfer pricing, and ongoing conversations around the integration of customs and tax systems — key areas identified in the CMAA.

The meeting also addressed growing concerns over the international trade in substandard pharmaceutical products, with both countries acknowledging recent successful seizures in Nigeria as a direct result of improved intelligence sharing and operational synergy.

According to CGC Adewale Adeniyi, “Today’s dialogue is a continuation of the strong foundations laid during the signing of the CMAA in November 2024.

“We are intensifying efforts to tackle undervaluation, abusive transfer pricing, and to improve system integration between customs and tax authorities. Additionally, our joint actions in curbing the importation of substandard pharmaceuticals yield results and protect public health.

“This partnership reflects our vision of a smarter, collaborative, and globally connected customs administration.”

The CGC further reiterated Nigeria’s interest in expanding cooperation through joint technical missions, training programmes, and shared data mechanisms, which would contribute to more efficient risk management, enhanced revenue assurance, and stronger trade controls.

The CMAA was signed during the Prime Minister of India’s state visit to Nigeria last year, a landmark moment that underscored both countries’ commitment to advancing trade, security, and institutional collaboration.

In his remarks, Mr Surjit Bhujbal said, “India regards Nigeria as a crucial partner in Africa. The CMAA has opened a structured channel for mutual assistance, information exchange, and capacity building.

“We are keen to deepen technical cooperation on valuation, combat revenue leakage through transfer pricing schemes, and share our experience integrating customs with tax systems.”

The WCO Policy Commission is a high-level platform where customs leaders from around the world deliberate on policy direction, global trade facilitation, and enforcement standards. Nigeria’s active participation highlights its dedication to international best practices and the modernisation of its customs systems.