The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has partnered with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to explore modern customs training models and digital transformation initiatives to boost international cooperation and strengthen human capital development.
The engagement took place on Friday, 25 July 2025, in Beijing, with the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Oluyomi Adebakin, leading a 21-member Nigerian delegation.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Nigerian team met with GACC’s International Cooperation Division, the Training and Education Centre, and the Shanghai Customs College.
Discussions focused on digital integration, customs training, and trade facilitation, key components of global logistics operations.
The GACC shared insights into their modern approach to customs training, which includes the use of 5G technology, virtual reality simulations, and hybrid e-learning systems. Officials highlighted that over 8,000 physical training sessions and 360 online courses were held in 2024. These methods, they noted, are aimed at increasing efficiency and compliance in customs operations.
“Nigeria’s involvement in China-led customs development programmes also featured prominently in the discussions, with 89 Nigerian officers among the over 200 African customs personnel trained since 2023,” the statement said.
Training areas have covered topics such as anti-smuggling, food safety, digital port operations, and regional trade enhancement.
Maiwada stated that Chinese officials praised Nigeria’s recent customs reforms and described the election of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council as a major milestone.
“They described the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy,” he said.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation through officer exchange schemes, joint research projects, and technical exchange programmes. These partnerships are expected to improve port management systems and strengthen cross-border intelligence sharing, which is essential for customs efficiency and border security.
The statement further revealed that future Nigerian participation in Customs Modernisation Courses and officer development at the Shanghai Customs College was also discussed.
The session was facilitated by the Platform Business Development Agency, whose founder coordinated the engagement to support trade reform and ease of doing business across Africa.
The Nigeria Customs Service emphasised that it is committed to institutional knowledge building and modernisation, aligning with international standards and boosting regional economic integration.
The Service added that capacity development remains central to its reform agenda and successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
