By Peace Udugba
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening legitimate trade with China while intensifying efforts to combat illicit economic activities through improved enforcement and stronger bilateral cooperation.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while receiving Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
Adeniyi described Dambazau as someone familiar with the operations of the Service due to his military background and distinguished public service career. He noted that the retired lieutenant general’s leadership experience had adequately prepared him for the diplomatic assignment and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s mission in China.
The Customs boss described China as Nigeria’s largest trading partner, noting that discussions during the visit centred on strategic trade relations and the activities of Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.
According to him, some Chinese firms are already participating in the Service’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, while companies that comply with trade regulations and global best practices continue to receive commendation from the NCS.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the Service maintains a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to support legitimate trade and enhance customs cooperation between both countries.
He stressed that the NCS cannot function in isolation, emphasising the need for collaboration with relevant government agencies to harmonise operations and improve trade facilitation.
The Comptroller-General also noted the importance of ensuring that trade statistics released by Nigeria and China are properly aligned to avoid major discrepancies in trade analysis.
“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” he said.
Speaking on enforcement measures, Adeniyi stated that Nigeria is working to ensure the country does not become a transit route for illegal wildlife trade. He called for stronger cooperation and intelligence sharing between both countries.
He also advocated closer collaboration in tackling illegal mining activities to strengthen border enforcement and improve data-driven operations.
In his remarks, Ambassador-Designate Dambazau expressed appreciation for the reception accorded to him, noting that it was his first official visit to the Customs Headquarters.
He said stronger engagement with the NCS would ease his diplomatic assignment and help maximise the benefits of Nigeria-China relations.
Dambazau highlighted the role of Customs in supporting trade under zero-tariff arrangements for African countries. He stressed the need for faster cargo clearance processes, stronger certification systems, and tighter regulation of imports from China, warning against the abuse of trade policies for unlawful gains.
“Stronger collaboration and continuous support from the NCS will ensure smoother trade processes and the full realisation of Nigeria-China trade relations,” he stated.
