…CGC Adeniyi: “A Bold Step Towards Safer Borders and Smarter Trade”
In a historic move to strengthen cross-border collaboration and streamline international trade operations, Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Bilateral Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters. The milestone event took place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a notable side engagement at the 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council, currently ongoing at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The agreement was formally signed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, on behalf of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking shortly after the signing, CGC Adeniyi lauded the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s customs diplomacy. He emphasised that the agreement marks a renewed commitment to fostering mutual trust and operational synergy in the fight against transnational customs offences.
“This agreement provides a strong platform for operational synergy in tackling customs offences, sharing intelligence, and ensuring fair and accurate application of customs laws,” Adeniyi said. “It aligns with our broader efforts to modernise Customs, promote transparency, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global trade ecosystem.”
The bilateral accord creates a comprehensive legal framework for cooperation in key areas such as customs enforcement, revenue protection, classification, valuation, and coordinated border management. It draws upon global standards, including the WCO Recommendation on Mutual Administrative Assistance (1953), and relevant international conventions endorsed by both countries.
Governor Suhail bin Mohammed Abanmi, in his remarks, expressed optimism about the collaborative prospects the agreement brings. “Saudi Arabia welcomes this partnership with Nigeria. Our customs administrations face similar challenges, and through this agreement, we aim to share knowledge, strengthen enforcement, and safeguard our economies from illicit trade,” he stated.
The pact includes provisions for both countries to support one another through data exchange, coordinated investigations, and mutual assistance in enforcing prohibitions and restrictions, in accordance with their national laws. It is of indefinite duration, with flexibility for amendment or termination through diplomatic correspondence.
CGC Adeniyi further stressed that the agreement goes beyond enforcement, calling it “a mechanism to drive innovation and trust in customs administration.”
“Nigeria is proud to join hands with Saudi Arabia in advancing a future where customs operations are smarter, faster, and more cooperative,” he said.
This landmark agreement is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s international trade security posture, reinforce customs transparency, and promote economic cooperation between the two strategic nations.
