Abuja, April 9, 2025 – The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has praised the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for introducing reforms to boost trade efficiency.
In a recent meeting held in Abuja, NECA leaders praised Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. They emphasized his commitment to implementing business-friendly policies that have produced real benefits for enterprises across the country.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, the delegation pointed out several transformative measures.
Notable initiatives included the Advance Ruling system and the Authorised Economic Operator program, both of which significantly support businesses.
These initiatives, Okoye noted, have slashed bureaucratic delays and empowered small businesses.
“Your reforms directly support SMEs, proving impactful beyond policy documents,” he stated, emphasizing NECA’s 4,000-member network relies on collaborative governance.
In response, Adeniyi thanked NECA for acknowledging Customs’ progress, stressing the agency’s dual role as enforcer and trade facilitator.
“We prioritize stakeholder input to shape a conducive business climate,” he affirmed.
He further outlined plans to simplify compliance processes, ensuring faster cargo clearance without compromising regulatory standards.
The Comptroller-General reiterated Customs’ commitment to public-private dialogue, calling it vital for national growth.
“Partnerships drive meaningful progress,” he said, pledging continued engagement with industry leaders.
Meanwhile, Okoye urged sustained reforms, noting streamlined operations attract investment and spur economic diversification.
Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration, aligning Customs’ strategies with private sector needs.
The meeting concluded with a shared vision to amplify Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness through innovation and transparency.
NECA’s endorsement underscores rising confidence in Customs’ modernization agenda, which integrates technology and stakeholder feedback.
Recent tools like the Time Release Study have optimized supply chains, reducing costs for importers.
Analysts say such reforms position Nigeria to harness AfCFTA opportunities, boosting intra-African trade.
Industry stakeholders now anticipate faster implementation of pending measures, including automated cargo tracking and expanded green channel schemes.
As Customs intensifies reforms, businesses urge tighter synergy with fiscal policymakers to curb smuggling and stabilize forex challenges.
With economic diversification high on Nigeria’s agenda, Adeniyi’s pledge to “walk with businesses” signals a proactive shift in regulatory philosophy.
The renewed partnership exemplifies how public-sector agility and private-sector dynamism can jointly tackle systemic hurdles, fostering inclusive growth.
This alignment, observers say, could redefine Nigeria’s trade landscape, unlocking jobs and revenue amid global headwinds.
As reforms gain momentum, the focus remains on sustaining dialogue to ensure policies translate into measurable gains for all stakeholders.
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