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The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for a stronger, more structured partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), aimed at addressing shared challenges and driving sustainable economic growth.
Adeniyi made the call on Thursday, when the Director-General of MAN, Segun Ajayi-Kadiri, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
He stressed the need to move beyond short-term concerns and establish a long-term framework for collaboration that would bring lasting benefits to both institutions.
“The only way to build lasting friendship and partnership is to understand the issues from both sides. We are looking forward to setting an agenda that goes beyond immediate challenges and brings all stakeholders to the table,” Adeniyi said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts by Customs to improve trade facilitation, the CGC listed key initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Advanced Ruling, Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the indigenous B’Odogwu platform, and the creation of dedicated special desks.
Adeniyi also disclosed that preparations were underway for a major stakeholders’ conference in November to chart a way forward on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He urged MAN to take part in shaping these conversations, noting that Customs was ready to meet manufacturers in Lagos if necessary to deepen engagement.
“After your consultations, get back to us so we can fix a date and venue for a wider meeting. We must keep this conversation going without delay,” Adeniyi added.
In his remarks, MAN’s Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadiri described Customs as an “indispensable partner” in solving Nigeria’s economic challenges, adding that the renewed collaboration would help address bottlenecks faced by industries under pressure.
“Many developments in the economy require us to accelerate this engagement, expand it and make it work,” Ajayi-Kadiri said, commending the CGC for his openness to ideas and willingness to meet manufacturers at their base.
Both parties agreed to set a new agenda for continuous dialogue, with the aim of harmonising policies and driving industrial growth in Nigeria.
