By Joy Onu
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has urged African nations to adopt fully integrated digital customs platforms as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (African Continental Free Trade Area) framework.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, Adeniyi made the call on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Lagos at the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security, aimed at launching a continent-wide customs modernisation initiative. The event was held alongside the Digital Trade Forum 2026.
He said disparities in customs technology across African countries continue to hinder efficient cross-border trade, stressing that seamless integration of systems is essential for faster clearance processes and improved regional commerce.
According to him, achieving interoperability among customs administrations would allow African economies to operate on a connected digital framework, reducing bottlenecks and strengthening trade facilitation across borders.
The Customs chief also commended the involvement of a Nigerian technology firm in the project, describing it as evidence of growing local capacity in digital trade solutions and customs innovation.
Also speaking at the event, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, said the continent is beginning to draw lessons from Nigeria’s digital customs reforms, noting that its systems have improved efficiency in revenue collection and trade operations.
He said that the partnership is expected to support the development of a unified customs infrastructure that will enhance trade flows and deepen economic integration among member states.
The Customs Modernisation initiative seeks to align digital processes across African customs authorities, improve cooperation, increase revenue efficiency, and fast-track the creation of a more connected and competitive continental trading environment under the AfCFTA agenda.
