The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the series of progressive policy reforms and operational improvements implemented under the current leadership, particularly in the area of trade facilitation.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, by NECA’s President, Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, and his delegation at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. The visit focused on strengthening collaboration between both institutions to enhance trade and promote private sector growth.
Dr. Okoye, while addressing the Customs boss, described the Service as a vital partner in improving Nigeria’s business environment.
“We are here today to commend the Service for your impactful initiatives. NECA, founded in 1957 to represent the interests of Nigerian businesses, now has over 4,000 members. We see the Nigeria Customs Service as a critical stakeholder in our mission to improve the operational climate for enterprises across the country,” he said.
He particularly acknowledged Customs’ deployment of modern trade facilitation tools such as the Advance Ruling system, the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the Time Release Study—reforms he described as essential in dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks and boosting the ease of doing business, especially for SMEs.
“These initiatives go beyond policy—they are tangible solutions helping businesses to grow, especially small and medium enterprises. We are optimistic that this engagement will yield deeper partnerships that benefit both trade and the economy at large,” Dr. Okoye added.
In his response, Comptroller-General Adeniyi expressed appreciation for NECA’s recognition of Customs’ reform efforts and reiterated the Service’s commitment to fostering a more business-friendly environment through consistent engagement and collaboration with the private sector.
“I am always happy to partner with the private sector. We understand that every decision we make has an impact on the business ecosystem. That is why we prioritize trade facilitation and stakeholder engagement in everything we do,” he stated.
The CGC also reaffirmed that Customs sees itself as more than just a law enforcement body, but as a facilitator of economic growth.
“Our vision is to simplify processes, improve compliance, and build an inclusive system where businesses can thrive. It is through continuous dialogue like this that we can make real, sustainable progress,” Adeniyi noted.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment by both parties to work more closely in creating a more efficient and responsive trade system. The interaction highlights the strategic role of Customs in enabling private sector development and achieving broader economic objectives
