The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Indian Customs Administration to improve trade facilitation and customs operations.
This development follows discussions held during the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission in Brussels, Belgium.
The NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Nigeria’s delegation, led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, met with Mr Surjit Bhujbal of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
Maiwada noted that the meeting reviewed progress under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) signed by both countries on Nov. 16, 2024.
He said the talks focused on customs valuation, transfer pricing, and aligning customs and tax systems as outlined in the bilateral CMAA framework.
Maiwada stated that both parties also addressed concerns over trade in substandard pharmaceuticals, citing successful seizures in Nigeria through improved intelligence sharing.
He quoted Adeniyi as explaining that the discussions build on the strong foundation laid during the CMAA signing in November 2024.
“We are scaling up efforts against undervaluation, transfer pricing abuse, and are working to integrate customs and tax systems,” the Comptroller-General said.
He added that joint operations against substandard pharmaceutical imports were already delivering measurable results and safeguarding public health.
Adeniyi also reiterated Nigeria’s interest in joint technical missions, shared data systems, and capacity-building initiatives with India.
He expressed optimism that such collaboration would boost risk management, ensure revenue protection, and tighten trade compliance controls.
“This partnership reflects our drive for a smarter, collaborative, and globally linked customs service,” he added.
The CMAA was signed during the 2024 state visit of India’s Prime Minister to Nigeria, a key moment in bilateral customs cooperation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the WCO Policy Commission provides a vital forum for customs leaders to set global trade and enforcement policy.
He said Nigeria’s involvement signals its dedication to international best practices and modernising its customs administration.
