The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS plans to deploy 22 additional cargo scanners across seaports, airports and border stations as part of efforts to accelerate cargo clearance, improve operational efficiency and strengthen trade facilitation.
The planned deployment was disclosed during a quarterly engagement between the NCS and representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce, the US-Africa Business Centre and the American Business Council in Abuja on October 28, 2026.
The Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, also highlighted the automation of licence and permit applications and the Service’s transition towards paperless administrative processes.
The NCS urged businesses to provide feedback on its digital platforms to help identify operational challenges and improve service delivery.
Speaking through the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the Service was committed to institutional reforms, digital transformation, operational efficiency and stronger engagement with stakeholders.
He said the objective was to build a modern and transparent Customs administration capable of facilitating trade while ensuring revenue collection, border security and compliance with applicable regulations.
Niagwan said predictable Customs procedures, transparent tariff administration, timely cargo clearance and effective dispute resolution were essential to improving the business environment and boosting investor confidence.
She added that the meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views, address emerging concerns and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, particularly for American businesses operating in or considering investments in Nigeria.
President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, said efficient Customs operations were critical to ensuring that the benefits of trade reached businesses and the wider public.
She identified agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare and the digital economy as sectors where effective Customs administration could support investment opportunities.
The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended the NCS for progress in trade facilitation, transparency and stakeholder engagement.
She also congratulated the Service on its emergence as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council Compliance Assessment.
The Council highlighted improvements in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Rulings and dispute resolution, noting that quarterly engagements had helped address longstanding business challenges.