The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its ties with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through a knowledge exchange program. The program, held on July 25, 2025, in Beijing, focused on modernization, digital integration, and customs training models.
A 21-member delegation from the NCS, led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, participated in the engagement. The delegation met with officials from GACC's International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre, and the Shanghai Customs College.
The GACC shared its innovative approach to customs training, including the use of 5G technology, virtual reality simulations, and hybrid e-learning systems. Over 8,000 physical training sessions and 360 online courses were conducted in 2024 alone. This cutting-edge approach has enabled China to develop a robust customs training infrastructure, which can be leveraged by other countries to enhance their capacity.
The NCS and GACC agreed to strengthen collaboration through technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes. The areas of focus will include port systems and cross-border intelligence sharing. This partnership is expected to enhance the NCS's ability to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
Eighty-nine Nigerian officers have been trained under China-led customs development programs since 2023, alongside over 200 African customs personnel. This training has equipped Nigerian officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage customs operations and facilitate trade.
The NCS has prioritized capacity development as a foundation for reform, regional integration, and successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The partnership with GACC is a significant step in achieving this goal.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional knowledge, expanding intergovernmental partnerships, and modernizing its operations in accordance with international best practices. The Service is dedicated to enhancing its capacity to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with customs regulations.
The engagement is a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the NCS and GACC, and promoting trade reform and ease of doing business in Africa. The NCS is expected to benefit from China's expertise in customs modernization and digitalization, which will enable it to improve its operations and provide better services to stakeholders.
The partnership between the NCS and GACC is a win-win for both countries. The NCS will benefit from China's expertise in customs modernization and digitalization, while China will benefit from Nigeria's strategic location and growing economy. This partnership is expected to enhance trade facilitation, improve customs operations, and promote economic growth in Nigeria and the region.
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