CGC Adeniyi Moves To Strengthen Nigeria-UAE Trade, Customs Ties
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has held talks with officials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Abuja to boost trade relations and deepen customs cooperation between both countries.
The meeting took place on April 29, 2026. Both sides restated their commitment to improving bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and its UAE counterpart.
During the engagement, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Saeed, congratulated Adeniyi on his emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO). He described the development as a major achievement for Nigeria and the African continent.
The ambassador commended the leadership of the Customs boss and his team. He said their efforts have strengthened ties between both nations, especially in the area of non-oil trade.
“We have achieved a substantial increase in non-oil trade from the year 2023 to 2025. Despite the challenges over the years, this remains one of the best relationships we have had,” the Ambassador said.
He revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been forwarded. He explained that the agreement is meant to improve cooperation in trade facilitation and customs administration.
The envoy also described Adeniyi as one of the most valued guests received by the embassy. He added that the Customs management team has played a key role in sustaining Nigeria’s trade growth.
In his response, Adeniyi appreciated the reception and expressed confidence in the future of the partnership. He said the meeting would open a new phase in the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
“We are happy to work with the UAE to show the true nature of trade. We also want to make trade easier, especially for SMEs, and use your embassy to bring Customs administrations together,” Adeniyi stated.
The Customs boss noted that trade between both countries has improved in the past two years. He assured that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to engage stakeholders to improve efficiency and support legitimate trade.
He also called for closer cooperation to address activities that harm Nigeria’s image abroad. He said such collaboration would strengthen security, build trust, and support economic growth.