By Victoria Attah, Correspondent
Fresh efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s trade relationship with China and curb rising cases of illicit cross-border activities have taken centre stage following a high-level engagement at the headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.
The meeting brought together the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Abdulrahman Dambazau, as both officials explored ways to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries while tightening enforcement against illegal trade networks.
With China remaining one of Nigeria’s largest sources of imports, discussions focused heavily on the future of lawful trade, cargo regulation, and the need to prevent abuses within international supply chains.
Customs authorities expressed concern over activities capable of weakening the nation’s economy, particularly smuggling, illegal mineral exports, and wildlife trafficking. Officials said stronger intelligence-sharing and coordinated border monitoring have become necessary as global trade routes continue to evolve.
Adeniyi noted that Nigeria’s economic relationship with China goes beyond commercial exchange, stressing that both countries must work toward building a trade system driven by transparency, accountability, and mutual benefit.
He explained that the Service has continued to encourage compliant foreign businesses through its Authorised Economic Operator programme, which supports companies that meet international trade and security standards.
The Customs boss also pointed to the existing Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement between Nigeria and China’s General Administration of Customs, describing it as an important instrument for trade verification and enforcement cooperation. According to him, inaccurate trade declarations and inconsistent figures between trading nations often create loopholes that criminal elements exploit for revenue diversion and illicit transactions.
He added that modern Customs operations now depend largely on data exchange, inter-agency cooperation, and strategic international partnerships capable of detecting suspicious movements across borders.
Dambazau, who described the visit as part of consultations ahead of his diplomatic posting, said sustained engagement with Customs authorities would help Nigeria maximise opportunities within its growing relationship with China.
The former military chief stressed the importance of faster cargo processing, improved certification procedures, and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent the misuse of trade concessions and import channels.
He also emphasised the need for institutions on both sides to maintain regular communication in order to reduce trade bottlenecks and improve operational efficiency for legitimate businesses.
The latest engagement comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to expand foreign trade opportunities while confronting mounting concerns over economic crimes, revenue leakages, and illegal transnational activities linked to international commerce.
