The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has underscored the vital role of customs reforms and trade facilitation in unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
NCS, in a statement posted on its social media pages, said Adeniyi spoke at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers.
He emphasised that modernising customs operations is no longer a choice but necessary for the continent’s prosperity.
Addressing a gathering of thousands of exhibitors, government officials, and investors, Adeniyi stated, “Customs reforms are no longer optional; they are essential for Africa to realise its full potential in trade.
“We must prioritise efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration.”
He highlighted the NCS’s commitment to collaborating with other African customs administrations to deploy transparent and innovative solutions to bolster continental trade.
The Comptroller-General detailed Nigeria’s ongoing modernisation efforts, which include the digitalisation of clearance processes, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and extensive capacity-building initiatives.
These programs, he noted, are designed to create a more seamless and efficient trading environment, aligning with the core objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Adeniyi expressed confidence that these reforms would solidify Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for trade and industrial growth.
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A significant development at the event was the announcement that Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the next edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027).
This decision was met with widespread applause and is seen as a recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in regional integration and its ongoing economic reforms.
Adeniyi affirmed the NCS’s dedication to creating a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven system that benefits all stakeholders.
He stated that hosting IATF2027 provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria to showcase the tangible impact of its reforms and demonstrate how a modernised customs service can be a powerful engine for sustainable economic growth.
The IATF, inaugurated in 2018, is projected to facilitate $44 billion in deals at its current edition.
