NCS slashes Red Tape, engages American business council
Lagos, February, 13, 2026, The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reinforced investor confidence and strengthened trade ties between Nigeria and the United States following a high-level stakeholder engagement with the American Business Council (ABC) .
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, mad this known in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of customs, Deputy Comptroller, Abdullahi Maiwada and make available in Lagos on Friday.
The engagement brought together senior Customs officers, including the executives of American companies, and key industry stakeholders to deliberate on trade facilitation, dispute resolution, regulatory reforms, and policy strategies aimed at improving Nigeria’s investment climate.
Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka
Speaking at the forum, held at Eko Hotel, the CGC, described stakeholder engagement as a critical pillar of modern customs administration.
Adeniyi noted that sustaining dialogue had played a key role in resolving longstanding operational challenges between the service and the private sector.
The Chief Superintendent of Customs, Akinnyene Edeminam, Zone ‘A’ Zonal PRO, National PRO of Customs, Deputy Comptroller, Abdullahi Maiwada, Chief Superintendent of Customs, PRO FOU Zone ‘A’, Husain, Chief Superintendent of Customs, PRO Tincan Island Customs Command, Oscar Ivara
He cited the recent resolution of a seven-year classification dispute involving a council member as a clear example of the progress achieved through consistent engagement.
“Stakeholder engagement is one of the major pillars of any modern customs administration. We have realised that when we address issues in a mutually beneficial manner, everybody becomes a winner.”
Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Timi Bomodi, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, PhD.Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan
He also announced the introduction of a unified dispute resolution mechanism designed to streamline procedures, reduce delays, and lower the cost of resolving trade-related conflicts.
The NCS boss reaffirmed the service’s commitment to transparency, ongoing modernisation reforms, and the creation of a business-friendly environment capable of attracting foreign investment.
“This engagement forms part of the Nigeria Customs Service’s broader strategy to deepen partnerships with international business communities while enhancing trade facilitation and economic growth.”
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the American Business Council, Margaret Olele, commended the NCS for maintaining open communication with the private sector and taking practical steps to address longstanding trade concerns.
Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Babatunde Olomu
“We are seeing positive outcomes from these engagements, including the resolution of long-standing issues affecting our members.
“While not every concern can be resolved immediately, sustained dialogue helps balance national interests with the need for an efficient business environment,” Olele said.