By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) are set to strengthen their collaboration in a renewed effort to promote national economic development ahead of the Society’s 2025 Annual Conference scheduled to take place in Abuja from 8 to 11 September.
The National President of the NES, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, led a delegation of members of the Governing Council alongside the Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Chapter on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. During the visit, both institutions underscored the importance of working more closely to align economic research with operational realities at the country’s borders in order to foster policy efficiency and enhance national competitiveness.
Speaking during the meeting, the Comptroller-General highlighted the critical role of partnership between policy research and implementation agencies in advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. “While the NES provides evidence-based economic research and policy recommendations, the NCS plays a pivotal role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the enforcement of fiscal policies that directly shape the economy,” he said, stressing the urgent need for synergy in tackling emerging economic challenges.
Professor Adenikinju formally invited the Customs boss to participate in the forthcoming Annual Conference, stating that his practical insights into trade flows and fiscal reforms would greatly enrich discussions around the country’s economic transformation drive. He added that Customs’ unique access to data on trade patterns, revenue trends and cross-border commercial activity positions it as an indispensable partner in the formulation of sound economic policies.
The NES President also announced the Comptroller-General’s nomination for the 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award (DPSNES), one of the Society’s highest honours. According to him, the nomination reflects the CGC’s leadership in modernising Customs operations, boosting revenue collection and implementing innovative trade facilitation measures that have strengthened Nigeria’s overall economic stability and growth. The award, he noted, celebrates public servants whose efforts have tangibly advanced the nation’s economic development goals.
Both parties expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the months ahead, describing the strategic partnership between Customs and the NES as critical to ensuring the effective translation of research findings into policies that deliver tangible benefits for Nigerians.
