The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has renewed its commitment to boosting legitimate trade with China while intensifying efforts to curb illicit economic activities.

The NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, stated this while receiving the Ambassador-Designate to China, retired Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.

Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the NCS, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said efforts centre on tightening enforcement and strengthening bilateral cooperation to create a more secure, streamlined economic partnership between both nations.

He described China as Nigeria’s biggest trading partner, and their discussions focused on strategic trade relations and legitimate business operations involving Chinese companies operating in Nigeria.

According to the CG, some Chinese companies are already part of the service’s authorised economic operator programme.

“At the same time, those complying with trade regulations and global best practices have continued to receive commendation,” he said.

According to him, the service maintains a Customs mutual administrative agreement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to support legitimate trade and strengthen bilateral customs cooperation.

He underscored the importance of collaboration with relevant government agencies to harmonise operations and strengthen trade facilitation, saying that the NCS cannot work in isolation.

The CG emphasised the need for trade figures released by both countries to align, to ensure no record of significant gaps in trade analysis between them.

“Stronger engagement and continuous communication between the NCS and China will ensure more effective trade facilitation and mutual economic benefit,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria is working to ensure it does not become a transit route for illegal wildlife trade, but requires stronger cooperation and intelligence sharing.

He also urged for strong collaboration to combat illegal mining through strengthening border enforcement and improving data-driven operations.

Mr Adeniyi expressed confidence in the leadership of the envoy, saying that Mr Dambazau was not a stranger to the service, considering his antecedents, military background and track record in his career.

He said that Mr Dambazau’s military training and leadership experience had prepared him for the diplomatic assignment and expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen Nigeria’s mission in China.

On his part, Mr Dambazau said close engagement with the NCS would make his assignment easier and ensure maximum benefits from Nigeria-China relations.

Mr Dambazau highlighted the role of customs in supporting China’s under the zero-tariff trade arrangements for African countries, stressing the need for reduced cargo clearance time, stronger certification processes and tighter regulation of imports from China.

He warned 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 and China trade relations,” he said.

(NAN)