The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have reinforced their strategic partnership aimed at boosting intra-African trade and accelerating economic integration across the continent.

The renewed commitment emerged during a high-level meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and Afreximbank President, Dr. George Elombi, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the visit focused on strengthening trade facilitation, enhancing customs cooperation and advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The discussions provided an opportunity for both institutions to assess the progress made through their existing collaboration while exploring new strategies to simplify cross-border trade and deepen regional economic cooperation.

Speaking during the meeting, Adeniyi described the partnership as a vital step toward unlocking Africa’s economic potential through stronger commercial ties among African nations.

He noted that the collaboration had already delivered significant gains in customs modernisation and trade facilitation, particularly through efforts to harmonise customs procedures and improve the movement of goods across borders.

According to him, Africa’s economic future depends largely on the strength of trade among its own countries.

“We are building a partnership founded on the belief that Africa’s greatest trading opportunities lie within the continent itself. Through initiatives such as the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) and our ongoing trade facilitation programmes, we are translating that vision into concrete action,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs boss added that the renewed alliance would support Afreximbank’s regional transit programmes, speed up the development of one-stop border posts along major trade routes and encourage the adoption of international best practices in customs administration.

He disclosed that the service was already witnessing positive results from the bank’s support for regional transit systems and expressed optimism that the partnership would further enhance Africa’s competitiveness while creating more opportunities for legitimate trade.

On his part, Elombi reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to expanding support for initiatives that promote trade and strengthen the implementation of the AfCFTA.

He praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its proactive role in driving trade reforms, describing its efforts as evidence of a strong institutional commitment to transforming Africa’s trading landscape.

The meeting also reviewed the success of the inaugural edition of the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), held in Abuja in 2025.

The landmark event brought together customs leaders, development partners and private-sector stakeholders from across the continent to promote the harmonisation of customs procedures, strengthen institutional capacity and improve connectivity within Africa’s trade ecosystem.

The renewed partnership signals a growing determination by both institutions to break down trade barriers and create a more integrated African market capable of competing on the global stage.