Juliet Ezeh
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on April 29, 2026, held a diplomatic engagement with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja, as both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade relations and customs cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE.
The meeting, which took place at the UAE Embassy in Abuja, brought together senior officials from the Nigeria Customs Service and representatives of the UAE, focusing on enhancing bilateral trade, improving customs processes, and fostering stronger institutional collaboration between both countries.
During the engagement, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed, congratulated Adeniyi on his emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organization, describing the development as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African continent.
The ambassador commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General and his management team, noting that their efforts have contributed to strengthening the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the UAE, particularly in the area of non-oil trade.
According to him, trade relations between both countries have recorded notable progress in recent years, especially between 2023 and 2025.
“We have achieved a substantial increase in non-oil trade from the year 2023 to 2025. Despite the challenges over the years, this remains one of the best relationships we have had,” Salem said.
He added that the sustained cooperation between both customs administrations has played a key role in facilitating trade and improving economic exchanges between Nigeria and the UAE.
The ambassador also disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been forwarded to further strengthen cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and UAE Customs authorities. He explained that the proposed agreement is aimed at enhancing collaboration in trade facilitation and customs administration.
He noted that the agreement would provide a framework for deeper engagement, improved coordination, and more efficient handling of trade-related processes between both countries.
Salem further described the Comptroller-General as one of the most valued guests received by the embassy, adding that the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated strong commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s current level of trade growth.
In his remarks, Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, stating that the engagement reflects the growing relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would mark another phase in consolidating the cordial relationship between both countries, particularly in the areas of trade and customs cooperation.
“We are happy to work with the UAE to show the true nature of trade. We also want to make trade easier, especially for SMEs, and use your embassy to bring Customs administrations together,” Adeniyi said.
The Comptroller-General noted that trade relations between Nigeria and the UAE have improved significantly within the last two years, adding that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to building on the progress achieved so far.
He stated that the service will continue to engage with traders, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders in order to improve operational efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade.
Adeniyi also reiterated the importance of collaboration between both countries in addressing issues that could undermine Nigeria’s image in the international community.
He stressed the need to identify and isolate individuals whose actions could damage the country’s reputation abroad, noting that enhanced cooperation between customs administrations would contribute to improved security and trust.
According to him, strengthening institutional ties and promoting transparency in trade processes would not only boost economic activities but also support sustainable growth.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen international partnerships and improve trade facilitation through strategic collaboration with key global partners.
The meeting also highlights the commitment of both Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates to deepening bilateral relations and expanding opportunities for economic cooperation.
Officials at the meeting emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and mutual cooperation in achieving shared trade objectives and enhancing the efficiency of customs operations.
They also underscored the role of customs administrations in supporting national economic development through effective trade facilitation and enforcement of regulations.
The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to pursue reforms aimed at modernizing its operations, improving service delivery, and aligning with international best practices in customs administration.
These efforts include initiatives to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and leverage technology to improve efficiency in cargo clearance and trade documentation.
The engagement with the UAE Embassy is expected to further strengthen these efforts by fostering closer collaboration and knowledge exchange between both customs administrations.
As discussions continue on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding, both parties expressed confidence that the agreement would serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation and improved trade outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to sustain the existing partnership and explore new areas of collaboration in line with their shared economic interests.
The development marks another step in the ongoing efforts to enhance trade relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, with both countries reaffirming their readiness to work together to achieve mutual growth and economic development.