The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the American Business Council (ABC) have strengthened collaboration to improve trade relations.

The partnership aims to address business challenges through sustained engagement between public and private sector stakeholders.

The commitment was disclosed during a quarterly meeting held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.

Stakeholders discussed measures to enhance trade facilitation, security, and Nigeria-U.S. economic relations.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Customs spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada.

The Comptroller-General of customs, Bashir Adeniyi, stressed the importance of regular stakeholder consultations.

Mr Adeniyi said the engagement would become a permanent feature of the customs calendar.

“It is our intention that we will institutionalise this as a permanent feature of the customs calendar,” he said.

He said the decision reflected the importance attached to continuous collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The customs boss highlighted reforms introduced to improve trade processes and reduce operational barriers.

He noted the Advance Ruling System, the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, and Post Clearance Audit.

Mr Adeniyi also highlighted the B’Odogwu platform as part of the Service’s trade facilitation initiatives.

He added that improvements were ongoing in scanning integration and cargo clearance procedures.

According to him, the measures were designed to improve efficiency and strengthen border management.

The American Business Council delegation was led by its President, Nneka Enwereji.

The delegation commended customs for reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and business operations.

Ms Enwereji called for faster mechanisms to resolve outstanding challenges affecting businesses.

She described the meeting as productive and praised Customs leadership for driving innovations.

“This session has been phenomenal and demonstrates your commitment to improving ease of doing business,” she said.

Ms Enwereji added that Customs had raised the standard through its reform initiatives. “There is a lot that can be learned from this,” she said.

The stakeholders agreed that continued dialogue remains essential to strengthening economic ties.

They also emphasised collaboration as a key driver of investment and sustainable trade growth. 

(NAN)