Nigeria, India Strengthen Customs Ties to Boost Trade, Tackle Illicit Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening strategic collaboration with the Indian Customs Administration to enhance trade facilitation, tackle customs fraud, and curb the importation of substandard goods.

The renewed cooperation was discussed during the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission held in Brussels, Belgium.

NCS spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, led Nigeria’s delegation to a bilateral meeting with Mr. Surjit Bhujbal of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

The discussions reviewed the progress made under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) signed by both nations on November 16, 2024. Key areas of focus included customs valuation, transfer pricing, integration of customs-tax systems, and improved intelligence sharing.

Maiwada noted that both parties expressed concern over the trade in substandard pharmaceuticals and lauded recent successful seizures in Nigeria resulting from stronger collaboration.

“We are scaling up efforts against undervaluation, transfer pricing abuse, and are working to integrate customs and tax systems,” Adeniyi stated. He emphasized that joint operations have already yielded results, protecting public health and improving revenue collection.

The Comptroller-General further stressed Nigeria’s interest in joint technical missions, data exchange systems, and capacity-building partnerships with India to enhance risk management and trade compliance.

“This partnership reflects our drive for a smarter, collaborative, and globally linked customs service,” he added.

The CMAA was signed during the 2024 state visit of India’s Prime Minister to Nigeria, marking a milestone in bilateral customs relations.

The WCO Policy Commission serves as a key platform for global customs leaders to shape trade and enforcement policies. Nigeria’s active participation, according to the NCS, underscores its commitment to international standards and the ongoing modernisation of its customs operations.