The Nigeria Customs Service has assured onion farmers and export stakeholders of its commitment to removing non-tariff barriers and creating a more enabling environment for export trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa to the Customs Headquarters in Abuja.
He stated that the Service would work with relevant government agencies to address operational bottlenecks and strengthen Nigeria’s export corridor.
The Comptroller-General described the engagement as timely, noting that in recent months, the Service had faced pressure from neighbouring countries over the use of Nigeria’s transit corridors, particularly routes in the North-East and the Kamba axis.
He explained that while transit discussions often focus on imports, the engagement with onion exporters presents an opportunity to boost Nigeria’s export profile.
According to him, exports promote economic prosperity, generate employment, support a favourable balance of trade and contribute to Gross Domestic Product growth.
He also disclosed that the Service has directed the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation to establish a structured engagement framework following earlier representations by stakeholders.
Speaking earlier, President of the Regional Observatory of Onion in West and Central Africa, Aliyu Maitasamu, commended Customs for its prompt intervention in resolving recent disruptions along the corridor.
He called for sustained collaboration to ensure smoother export operations and proposed improved coordination mechanisms for onion transit.
Maitasamu highlighted the sector’s economic importance, noting that Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest onion producer after Egypt, with an annual output of about 2.1 million metric tonnes.
He added that Nigeria and the Niger Republic remain key players in onion production and trade within the ECOWAS and Sahel regions.
Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation, Timi Bomodi, said the engagement aligns with efforts to balance economic growth with security considerations.
He explained that a proposed token system for corridor operations would focus on data management and infrastructure sustainability, including recovery of road maintenance costs.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening export trade and enhancing regional economic integration.