In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with its Indian counterpart. The signing ceremony, held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The agreement coincided with the state visit of India’s Prime Minister to Nigeria on November 17, 2024, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership. Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi described the CMAA as a “milestone achievement”, marking the culmination of negotiations that began in 2016.
“The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between (both) customs administrations, streamline border clearance processes, and curb customs-related offences,” said Adeniyi. “By facilitating the swift clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is set to bolster cross-border trade development and improve the enforcement of customs laws.”
Key provisions of the CMAA include enforcement of customs laws by ensuring the accurate imposition of duties and taxes, verification processes through the facilitation of proper classification, valuation, and determination of goods’ origin, prevention and investigation by strengthening mechanisms to combat customs offences. Other items in the CMAA are information exchange through the establishment of robust channels for communication and mutual assistance, including providing expert witnesses where necessary.
The agreement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international trade partnerships while reinforcing the integrity and efficiency of its customs operations. By collaborating with India on customs enforcement and trade facilitation, Nigeria aims to unlock new economic opportunities and deepen its global trade integration.
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