By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen legitimate trade relations with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities threatening bilateral commerce between both countries.
The renewed commitment was announced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau, during a strategic meeting at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Adeniyi described Dambazau as a seasoned leader whose military background and vast leadership experience positioned him strongly for the diplomatic assignment in Beijing.
He expressed confidence that the envoy would play a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s economic and trade interests with China, which he described as Nigeria’s largest trading partner.
According to the Customs boss, discussions centered on improving strategic trade relations, facilitating legitimate business activities, and strengthening oversight of Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
Adeniyi disclosed that several Chinese firms have already been integrated into the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, noting that companies adhering to international trade standards and regulatory compliance continue to enjoy Customs support and recognition.
He further revealed that the Service operates under a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), a framework designed to strengthen customs cooperation and promote legitimate trade between both nations.
The Comptroller-General stressed that the Customs Service cannot function in isolation, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies to improve operational harmony and facilitate seamless trade.
He also called for improved alignment of trade statistics between Nigeria and China, insisting that discrepancies in trade figures from both countries must be minimized through better communication and data sharing.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” Adeniyi stated.
On enforcement matters, the Customs chief warned against the use of Nigeria as a transit corridor for illegal wildlife trafficking and called for enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operations between both countries.
He also advocated stronger collaboration in tackling illegal mining activities, noting that improved border enforcement and data-driven intelligence operations are critical to curbing transnational crimes.
In his remarks, Dambazau expressed appreciation for the warm reception, describing the visit as his first official engagement at the Customs Headquarters since his appointment.
The ambassador-designate said closer cooperation with the Customs Service would significantly enhance his diplomatic mission and help unlock greater economic benefits from Nigeria-China relations.
He highlighted the strategic role of Customs in supporting trade under existing zero-tariff arrangements for African countries, while calling for faster cargo clearance procedures, stronger certification systems, and tighter regulation of imports originating from China.
Dambazau also cautioned against the misuse of trade policies for unlawful activities, emphasizing the need for vigilance and coordinated enforcement.
“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria and China trade relations,” he said.
