The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has hosted a high-level diplomatic cocktail reception in Abuja that brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, heads of missions, and senior government officials in a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening international cooperation, trade relations and institutional partnerships.
“The event, held at the rooftop of the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, attracted the Chief of the Air Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, members of the Customs Management, and other senior officials from key security and government institutions.”
Speaking during the reception, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to members of the diplomatic community for their continued support in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting international trade cooperation with Nigeria.
Adeniyi said that the NCS remained committed to providing the necessary support for diplomatic missions operating in the Nigeria, while advancing collaborative initiatives that would enhance trade and economic development.
“We recognize and appreciate your contributions to strengthening diplomatic and trade relations. The Service remains committed to providing the support and services required for diplomatic missions to operate effectively in Nigeria,” he stated.
The Customs boss explained that the agency had continued to broaden its international reach through structured cooperation agreements and partnerships with customs administrations across the world.
According to the statement by the NCS, the Service currently maintains collaborative frameworks with over 20 customs administrations globally, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building and operational cooperation to improve trade facilitation and border management.
He stressed that closer collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions and security agencies had become increasingly important in addressing the complexities of modern trade and security challenges.
“Sustained collaboration among customs administrations, diplomatic missions, and security agencies remains critical to achieving efficient border security, enhanced revenue generation, and improved economic competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global trade environment.
“Modern Customs administration now operates within a highly interconnected global system. This requires continuous engagement, trust-building and shared responsibility among international partners to effectively address emerging challenges in trade, security and compliance management,” Adeniyi said,
The Comptroller-General noted that diplomatic engagements such as the reception provided an important platform for dialogue, mutual understanding and the exploration of new areas of cooperation capable of strengthening Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic architecture.
“Platforms such as the diplomatic reception provide valuable opportunities for dialogue, relationship building, and the exploration of new areas of cooperation that will further strengthen Nigeria’s trade and diplomatic architecture,” he said.
The statement noted that the event ended with networking sessions and goodwill messages from participants, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service for promoting stronger institutional ties and creating an enabling environment for international cooperation.
The engagement comes as the Customs Service continues to pursue reforms aimed at modernising border operations, improving trade facilitation and strengthening Nigeria’s integration into regional and global trade systems.
In recent years, the NCS has expanded its international partnerships and embraced technology-driven customs processes as part of efforts to align with global best practices, improve revenue collection and support the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
GIK/APA