Blue Economy
Customs Reforms Essential for Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential – Adeniyi
Customs Reforms Essential for Unlocking Africa’s Economic Potential – Adeniyi
Nigeria’s Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi has declared customs reforms and trade facilitation as critical drivers for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential.
Speaking at the ongoing fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, Algeria, Adeniyi emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive customs modernization across the continent.
The IATF 2025, themed ‘Gateway to New Opportunities,’ is projected to generate $44 billion in business deals while connecting thousands of exhibitors, governments, and investors from across Africa and beyond.
The fair serves as a cornerstone event for advancing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, fostering deeper continental integration and accelerating intra-African trade while promoting resilient value chains.
According to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada, who released the statement Monday in Abuja, Adeniyi stressed that the NCS is working collaboratively with other African customs administrations to deploy transparency, efficiency, and innovation in strengthening continental trade.
“Customs reforms are no longer optional but essential for Africa to realize its full potential in trade,” Adeniyi stated. “We must prioritize efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration.”
The Customs chief highlighted Nigeria’s implementation of comprehensive trade modernization programs, including digitalization of clearance processes, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and capacity building initiatives designed to create a seamless trading environment.
As President of the World Customs Organisation, Adeniyi emphasized that the reforms being implemented by Nigeria’s customs service align directly with AfCFTA objectives, positioning the country as a regional hub for trade facilitation and industrial growth.
In a significant development, Nigeria secured hosting rights for the next edition, IATF 2027, in recognition of its leadership role in regional integration and ongoing economic reforms.
“With Nigeria hosting IATF 2027, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to showcase the impact of our reforms and demonstrate how customs can drive sustainable economic growth,” Adeniyi said. “The NCS remains committed to creating a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven system that benefits all stakeholders.”
The current edition, coordinated by Afreximbank, the African Union Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat in cooperation with the Algerian government, highlights key areas including innovation, green industrialization, digital economy, creative industries, and youth and women participation in trade – all aligned with AfCFTA goals.
The emphasis on these sectors reflects Africa’s strategic shift toward sustainable development and inclusive economic growth as the continent seeks to maximize benefits from the world’s largest free trade area by landmass since the World Trade Organization’s formation.