Nigeria and Malaysia Strengthen Customs Cooperation to Boost Trade

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expanded its strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) to facilitate trade and improve border management. The move follows discussions during an official visit by Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to Malaysia’s customs headquarters, amid growing bilateral trade, which surged from NGN 159.9 billion in 2020 to NGN 716 billion in 2024, totalling approximately NGN 1.82 trillion over five years.

During the visit, Adeniyi met with Dato’ Haji Amran bin Haji Ahmad, the Director-General of RMCD, who took office in March 2026. The leaders discussed initiatives to modernise customs operations, strengthen enforcement, and develop coordinated border management systems. Nigeria highlighted the importance of a structured bilateral arrangement to formalise customs cooperation, noting that Malaysia remains a key trading partner with imports including palm oil, jet fuel, machinery, and food preparations.

Both countries acknowledged the lack of a formal legal framework for their customs partnership and agreed to pursue a Mutual Recognition Agreement under the World Customs Organisation. This agreement aims to enhance mutual trust, streamline trade processes, and foster closer collaboration.

The Malaysian customs chief also presented the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), an integrated border security body. In response, Nigeria showcased its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program and other trade facilitation measures to reduce costs and ensure compliance. Both sides emphasised enhanced intelligence sharing, enforcement cooperation, and technological integration to combat illicit trade.

The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties as part of its modernisation efforts. The engagement included a visit to the Nigerian diplomatic and defence offices in Malaysia, highlighting efforts to support Nigeria’s interests abroad.

This development marks a significant step toward deeper collaboration in customs, trade, and border security between Nigeria and Malaysia, with potential benefits for economic growth and regional stability.