The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), has taken a major step to advance Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape with the inauguration of the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment.
Named in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, the centre was launched at the NIIA headquarters in Lagos on October 24, 2024.
Adeniyi expressed enthusiasm for the centre’s potential impact, stating, “The establishment of this Centre comes at an opportune time as Nigeria is repositioning itself in the global trade environment. I envision that this Centre will evolve into a comprehensive national think tank focused on international trade and investment.”
NIIA Director General Professor Eghosa Osaghae underscored the centre’s role as a “finishing school” for senior customs officers, with globally-oriented executive courses that align with World Customs Organisation standards.
“Today, we proudly announce the Bashir Adeniyi Centre for International Trade and Investment. This Centre will serve as a finishing school for senior customs officers, offering certified executive training that will immerse the Nigeria Customs Service in global customs practices,” he said.
The launch event included a panel discussion featuring prominent figures such as Donald Duke and Dr. Chinyere Almona, who examined the challenges and opportunities for Nigeria’s trade and investment landscape.
In remarks to reporters, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the centre’s significance, saying, “We are committed to our mandate of trade facilitation, and we believe this centre will be a hub of excellence, building capacity and fostering awareness about the importance of international trade. Trade brings prosperity, and we hope this centre will help drive that prosperity for Nigeria.”
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