The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have agreed to strengthen structured engagement aimed at improving trade facilitation and enhancing investor confidence.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, when the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received a delegation of the American Business Council on a courtesy visit to the Customs House, Maitama, Abuja.
Welcoming the delegation, Adeniyi said the NCS has, in recent years, intensified efforts to institutionalise transparency, stakeholder consultation and regular engagement with industry players. He stressed that effective customs administration depends on continuous dialogue with businesses operating across ports and borders.
The Comptroller-General noted that the Service has prioritised reforms to enhance predictability for traders, including the rollout of the One-Stop-Shop initiative at major commands to streamline cargo examination and documentation, thereby reducing delays.
Addressing concerns raised by ABC member companies, Adeniyi assured the delegation that Customs would continue to tackle operational challenges within its mandate. He emphasised that trade facilitation is a shared responsibility among multiple agencies and highlighted the need for sustained engagement to promptly resolve issues.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, said the visit was intended to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service. She acknowledged what she described as noticeable improvements in port processes, communication channels and the resolution of trade-related enquiries.
Olele said several American companies operating in Nigeria have reported greater clarity in Customs procedures over the past year, adding that predictability and transparency are critical for business operations. She commended the modernisation efforts implemented under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and expressed optimism about further strengthening the partnership to address outstanding concerns.
She also appreciated the Comptroller-General for personally receiving the delegation, noting that it underscored the Service’s commitment to constructive engagement with the private sector. According to her, stronger cooperation between Customs and businesses would significantly improve Nigeria’s investment climate.
Both parties agreed to institute quarterly engagement sessions to assess progress, address emerging issues and maintain open communication channels for American companies operating in Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by representatives of major organisations, including ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cisco, Mantrac and the U.S. Embassy.
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