The Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Adewale Adeniyi, has stepped up efforts to deepen Nigeria’s trade relations and border security cooperation, using a high-level diplomatic reception in Abuja to reinforce collaboration with foreign missions and international stakeholders.
Speaking at a cocktail reception hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at its headquarters in Maitama on Wednesday, Adeniyi said stronger ties among customs administrations, diplomatic missions and security agencies were essential to improving trade facilitation, strengthening border management and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global economy.
The event brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of diplomatic missions, senior government officials and security chiefs, including the Chief of the Air Staff and the Inspector-General of Police.
Adeniyi expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s international partners for their continued support in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing trade cooperation, assuring them of the Service’s commitment to providing the necessary support for diplomatic missions operating in the country.
He disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service has expanded its international engagement through structured partnerships with more than 20 customs administrations globally, focused on knowledge sharing, capacity building and operational cooperation to improve trade facilitation and border security.
According to him, modern customs administration operates in an increasingly interconnected global environment, making sustained engagement, trust and shared responsibility vital to addressing emerging challenges in trade, security and compliance.
Adeniyi added that platforms such as the diplomatic reception provide valuable opportunities for dialogue, relationship building and the identification of new areas of cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic architecture.
The event also featured networking sessions and goodwill messages from participants, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service for promoting international cooperation and fostering an enabling environment for economic growth.
The reception formed part of the Service’s broader strategy to leverage diplomatic engagement to advance national economic objectives, strengthen border governance and build mutually beneficial global partnerships.