By Ayomide Otitoju
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has underscored the role of customs reforms and trade facilitation in boosting Africa’s economic potential and enhancing the competitiveness of exporters globally.
Delivering a keynote address on Friday at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Algeria, Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with other African Customs Administrations, is committed to driving transparency, efficiency, and innovation to strengthen continental trade.
“Customs reforms are no longer optional; they are essential for Africa to realise its full potential in trade. We must prioritise efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration,” Adeniyi stated.
He noted that Nigeria has already embarked on wide-ranging modernisation programmes, including digitalised clearance processes, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and capacity building, all aimed at creating a seamless trading environment.
The IATF, inaugurated in 2018, has become Africa’s leading platform for trade and investment, with the 2025 edition expected to generate $44 billion in deals and connect thousands of exhibitors, investors, and governments.
Adeniyi stressed that ongoing reforms align with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and position Nigeria as a regional hub for trade facilitation and industrial growth.
A major highlight of the event was the announcement that Nigeria will host the next edition of the trade fair, IATF 2027—an achievement widely seen as recognition of the country’s leadership in regional integration and economic reforms.
“With Nigeria hosting IATF 2027, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to showcase the impact of our reforms and demonstrate how Customs can drive sustainable economic growth,” Adeniyi said. “The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to building a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven system that benefits all stakeholders.”
