By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has underscored the centrality of customs reforms and trade facilitation in unlocking Africa’s economic potential and enhancing the global competitiveness of the continent’s exporters.
Delivering a keynote address on Friday, 5 September 2025, at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, Adeniyi said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), working closely with sister customs administrations across Africa, is committed to advancing transparency, efficiency, and innovation in order to strengthen continental trade.
“Customs reforms are no longer optional; they are essential for Africa to realise its full potential in trade. We must prioritise efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration,” the Customs boss declared.
He explained that the NCS has already embarked on sweeping modernisation initiatives designed to simplify clearance processes, enhance enforcement, and improve capacity building. These reforms, he stressed, are aimed at creating a seamless trading environment that reflects international best practices and responds to the growing needs of Africa’s economies.
The Comptroller-General observed that the reforms also align with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark agreement expected to boost intra-African trade and industrial growth. According to him, Nigeria’s efforts position it as a potential hub for regional trade facilitation, driving investment and industrial expansion across West Africa and beyond.
Adeniyi’s remarks came against the backdrop of the IATF, which has since its inauguration in 2018 become Africa’s premier platform for trade, investment, and economic exchange. The 2025 edition in Algiers is projected to generate a record $44 billion in deals, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, investors, and governments to strengthen intra-African commerce.
In what was hailed as a milestone achievement, it was announced during the event that Nigeria has secured the hosting rights for the next edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, billed for 2027. The decision was widely applauded as recognition of Nigeria’s growing leadership in regional integration and its ongoing economic reforms.
“With Nigeria hosting IATF2027, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to showcase the impact of our reforms and demonstrate how Customs can drive sustainable economic growth. The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to creating a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven system that benefits all stakeholders,” Adeniyi said.
The announcement not only positions Nigeria as a central player in Africa’s economic transformation but also reflects international confidence in the reform agenda being implemented by the Nigeria Customs Service under Adeniyi’s leadership.
