Nigerian, Indian Customs sign mutual agreement on trade facilitate

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in an avowed determination to enhance bilateral trade relationship has signed a Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with its Indian counterpart.

The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja coinciding with the state visit of India’s Prime Minister to Nigeria on Sunday 17th November, 2024.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, who represented Nigeria at the event, said the agreement marks the culmination of negotiations that began in 2016.

The customs boss described the agreement as a landmark development aimed at strengthening collaboration between the customs administrations of both nations.

“The agreement will enhance cooperation, streamline border clearance processes, and address customs-related offenses. By facilitating faster clearance of goods and reducing trade costs, the CMAA is poised to boost cross-border trade and ensure effective enforcement of customs laws,” Adeniyi stated.

Key provisions of the CMAA include, enforcement of Customs laws: ensuring accurate duty and tax assessments through better classification, valuation, and origin determination of goods.

The agreement will deal prevention and Investigation offensive import and strengthen measures to combat customs-related offenses.

The agreement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international trade partnerships while reinforcing the integrity and efficiency of its customs operations.

The agreement further reveals that by collaborating with India on customs enforcement and trade facilitation, Nigeria aims to unlock new economic opportunities and deepen its global trade integration.

Both countries also agreed on Information Exchange: thereby establishing robust communication channels and offering mutual assistance, including expert witness support when needed and deepen global business partnership.