By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on Wednesday hosted ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of diplomatic missions, and senior government officials at a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation, trade relations, and institutional partnerships.
The strategic engagement, organised by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), took place at the rooftop of the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, and attracted a distinguished gathering of diplomatic representatives and key figures from Nigeria’s security and government establishments.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Customs Management team, and senior officials from various security and government agencies.
Addressing guests at the event, CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s international partners for their continued support in advancing diplomatic ties and promoting global trade cooperation.
“We recognize 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,” Adeniyi said.
The Customs boss highlighted ongoing efforts by the NCS to expand its international engagement through structured collaboration frameworks with more than 20 customs administrations across the world.
According to him, these partnerships are focused on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and operational cooperation aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening border management.
Adeniyi stressed that sustained collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions, and security agencies remains vital to improving border security, boosting revenue generation, and enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
He further noted that modern customs administration now operates within a highly integrated international system, making continuous engagement, mutual trust, and shared responsibility essential in addressing emerging challenges in trade, security, and compliance management.
The CGC added that initiatives such as the diplomatic reception provide important platforms for dialogue, relationship-building, and the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation that will reinforce Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic architecture.
The evening concluded with networking sessions and goodwill messages from participants, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained efforts in fostering stronger institutional relationships and creating an enabling environment for international collaboration and economic growth.
