The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have strengthened their strategic partnership to accelerate intra-African trade, with both institutions committing to expand trade facilitation initiatives, modernise customs administration and fast-track the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The renewed commitment was reaffirmed during a working visit by the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank, George Elombi, to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Service Headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting reviewed progress made under the existing partnership and identified fresh areas of collaboration aimed at removing barriers to trade, improving customs efficiency and strengthening regional economic integration across Africa.
Speaking during the engagement, Adeniyi described the partnership as one anchored on a common vision of unlocking Africa’s economic potential through increased trade among African countries.
According to him, ongoing collaboration between Customs and Afreximbank has already delivered measurable gains in customs modernisation and trade facilitation through programmes designed to harmonise customs procedures and improve the movement of goods across African borders.
“We are building a partnership between the two sides, a partnership founded on a single conviction: that Africa’s best trading partners are within Africa itself, and our prosperity will be built on the trade we conduct within ourselves. From C-PACT to our ongoing work on trade facilitation, we are turning that conviction into practical cooperation,” Adeniyi said.
One-Stop Border Posts, Transit Corridors
The Customs boss disclosed that the next phase of collaboration would support Afreximbank’s regional transit initiatives, accelerate the establishment of one-stop border posts along strategic trade corridors and promote the adoption of global best practices in customs administration.
He noted that the Service was already recording positive outcomes from Afreximbank’s support for regional transit systems, expressing confidence that deeper collaboration would enhance Africa’s competitiveness, reduce trade bottlenecks and create greater opportunities for legitimate cross-border commerce.
The planned one-stop border posts are expected to simplify customs clearance by enabling border agencies from neighbouring countries to operate from a single location, thereby reducing delays and lowering the cost of moving goods across borders.
Afreximbank Backs Customs Reforms
For his part, Elombi commended the Nigeria Customs Service for demonstrating strong institutional leadership in driving Africa’s trade integration agenda.
He said the Service’s proactive engagement reflects a clear commitment to transforming trade across the continent and assured that Afreximbank remains ready to expand financial and technical support for initiatives that facilitate trade and deepen the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“It is nice to see the CGC taking the initiative to drive this kind of engagement, which demonstrates a clear commitment to transforming trade across the continent. We have the resources, and you have the will. Together, we can make this partnership work for Africa,” Elombi said.
The meeting also reviewed the outcome of the maiden edition of the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT), held in Abuja in November 2025.
The initiative brought together customs administrations, development partners and private-sector stakeholders from across the continent to harmonise customs procedures, strengthen institutional capacity and improve connectivity within Africa’s trading systems.
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The renewed collaboration comes as African countries intensify efforts to maximise the opportunities created by the AfCFTA, which seeks to establish the world’s largest free trade area by connecting markets, promoting industrialisation and boosting intra-African commerce.
Officials from both institutions expressed optimism that stronger cooperation between Customs authorities and financial institutions will play a critical role in reducing trade barriers, improving border efficiency and positioning Africa for sustainable economic growth.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.