In a move to elevate global customs cooperation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), furthering bilateral efforts on knowledge exchange and capacity building. A high-level delegation of 21 Nigerian officials, led by Assistant Comptroller-General Oluyomi Adebakin—Commandant of the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada—met with GACC representatives in Beijing on July 25, 2025.
The engagement explored advanced customs training models and modernization strategies, with Chinese counterparts sharing insights into their cutting-edge systems including VR simulations, 5G-powered frameworks, and blended e-learning platforms. Notably, GACC held over 8,000 physical training sessions and developed 360 online courses in 2024 alone.
The discussions also reviewed Nigeria’s robust participation in China-led customs initiatives. Since 2023, more than 200 African customs officers have been trained, including 89 from Nigeria, in areas such as trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, food safety, and digital port management.
GACC officials acknowledged recent reforms within the NCS and celebrated Nigeria’s rising influence on the global customs stage—highlighted by the election of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
The bilateral dialogue set the stage for new collaborations, including technical exchanges, joint research, officer development programmes at Shanghai Customs College, and enhanced regional port coordination. The meeting was facilitated by the Platform Business Development Agency as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen customs reform, institutional development, and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi, the NCS remains committed to improving its human capital, expanding international partnerships, and modernising its operations in line with global standards.