CGC Adeniyi Emphasises Interoperability as Key to AfCFTA Customs Modernisation

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has emphasised the need for interoperable customs systems across Africa, describing it as a critical requirement for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Customs Modernisation Project.

Adeniyi made this known on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security to initiate the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project. The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026.

The CGC described the lack of harmonised technology among African Customs administrations as a major impediment to the implementation of the continental trade agreement.

"We are indeed delighted because one of the major obstacles that we have faced in this journey of implementation of AfCFTA is the interoperability of our systems. All the Customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when we have interoperability, it becomes easier for us all to hook up to one system and get trade facilitation done," Adeniyi said.

Adeniyi also welcomed the selection of Bergmans Security to drive the initiative, describing it as a significant milestone for Nigeria's customs modernisation journey and a recognition of the country's digital transformation efforts. "We are delighted that it is a Nigerian company that has been given this platform to extend what they have been doing to the rest of Africa and for us to achieve trade facilitation and the implementation of the AfCFTA," he stated.

Earlier, the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, said the Secretariat adopted Nigeria's customs modernisation model after observing the country's success in deploying digital technologies that have enhanced revenue collection and improved operational efficiency.

"Today, as we speak Nigeria is benefiting from the deployment of these technologies. And from our point of view, the Continent has a lot to gain from the model that was introduced here in Nigeria. So that's why we signed the MOU today. We believe that the partnership with Bergaman Security will enable us to reach our objective of creating a continental, modern, interoperable Customs systems that will ensure that all our economic operators benefit from expanded market," Mene noted.

The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to strengthen customs cooperation among member states through harmonised digital platforms, enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue collection, and accelerate the full implementation of the AfCFTA by creating a more efficient and integrated continental trading environment.

Comments

NCS Medical Team Trains Apapa Area Command Officers On First Aid

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) medical team yesterday trained officers and men of the Apapa Area Command on basic first aid training. ‎ ‎The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba according to a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs SC JT Ayagbalo described the initiative as a crucial investment in workplace safety and operational readiness. ‎ ‎In his welcome address, Comptroller Oshoba emphasized that the programme reflects the priority placed on staff welfare by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. ‎ ‎He described first aid knowledge as a universal life skill that every adult should possess, especially officers as they are frequently exposed to high-risk operational environments. ‎ ‎ Oshoba noted that simple but timely interventions such as; CPR, bleeding control, choking relief and stroke recognition often determine whether a victim survives, fully recov...

Lekki Port Manager Thrilled As AMJON Awards Him Most Resourceful Port Manager ‎

‎"I want to thank the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and his management team for giving me the opportunity to serve. Working in the kind of environment where I found myself requires great teamwork and as you can see around me now, I have my very efficient team always with me and so I am very proud to have this team. I also give glory to God for everything including the recognition that I got today" ‎ ‎Above are some of the emotions that pervaded the atmosphere as the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) held its 2026 Conference and Awards with the theme: Attaining Ports Efficiency In The Face Of Emerging Technology". ‎ ‎The Conference and Awards took place on Thursday, April 30th 2026 at the Rockview hotels, Apapa with big industry players in attendance. The occasion which was chaired by the cerebral Barr. Jean Chiazor-Anishere delved succinctly into what are required to make the Nigerian Ports more efficient. ‎ ‎In her opening ...

NIMASA Reshuffles Management Team For Enhanced Efficiency And Inter-departmental Collaboration

I n an exercise aimed at strengthening inter-departmental collaboration and inject new energy into the system to further improve performance and enhance efficiency across the maritime sector, The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has announced a strategic redeployment of its management staff as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in line with its core mandate. Under the new structure, according to a press statement issued by Mr. Edward Osagie FNIPR, Head, Public Relations Officer of the agency, a total of 56 management staff were affected in the exercise. Notable amongst those redeployed are; Hajia Moji Jimoh who becomes Director, Administration and Human Resources; Aishatu Jidda, Director, Planning, Research and Data Management Services; Barr. Heaky Dimowo, Director, Legal Services/Board Secretary; Isichei Osamgbi, Director, SERVICOM; and Mrs. Olubusola Obasanjo-Akande, Director, Western Zone. Othe...

Maritimegistplus

Search This Blog