By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stated that it is committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with India’s Customs Administration during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission.
The session, which took place on June 25, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, offered a platform for both nations to review their joint initiatives and explore new areas of collaboration.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, led Nigeria’s delegation to the meeting with Mr. Surjit Bhujbal, a senior official from India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
The two parties evaluated progress made under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA), which both countries signed on November 16, 2024.
The discussions centered on crucial areas such as customs valuation, tackling abusive transfer pricing, and fostering synergy between customs and tax systems.
Both parties also reviewed joint efforts in combating the cross-border trade of substandard pharmaceutical products. Recent seizures in Nigeria, attributed to improved intelligence sharing between the two nations, were acknowledged as a positive outcome of their cooperation.
Speaking after the meeting, CGC Adewale Adeniyi stated, “Today’s dialogue is a continuation of the strong foundations laid during the signing of the CMAA in November 2024. We are intensifying efforts to tackle undervaluation, abusive transfer pricing, and to improve system integration between customs and tax authorities. Additionally, our joint actions in curbing the importation of substandard pharmaceuticals yield results and protect public health.”
He also expressed Nigeria’s desire to expand the scope of collaboration by introducing joint technical missions, training initiatives, and data-sharing mechanisms.
According to him, these measures will support more effective risk management, improve revenue assurance, and bolster trade controls.
“This partnership reflects our vision of a smarter, collaborative, and globally connected customs administration,” Adeniyi added.
The agreement under review was originally signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Nigeria in 2024, marking a significant step forward in strengthening trade ties, institutional engagement, and mutual security interests between the two countries.
Mr. Surjit Bhujbal, speaking on behalf of the Indian delegation, noted, “India regards Nigeria as a crucial partner in Africa. The CMAA has opened a structured channel for mutual assistance, information exchange, and capacity building.
“We are keen to deepen technical cooperation on valuation, combat revenue leakage through transfer pricing schemes, and share our experience integrating customs with tax systems.”
The WCO Policy Commission serves as a critical forum for customs administrations worldwide to set policy direction, advance trade facilitation, and discuss enforcement strategies.
Nigeria’s involvement in the commission reflects its ongoing commitment to aligning with international standards and modernising its customs operations.