Customs Cooperation: Nigeria and India Unite against Substandard Imports

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Nigeria and India have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing strategic collaboration on customs enforcement, with a focus on tackling trade infractions and curbing the flow of substandard pharmaceutical imports. The renewed commitment was made during a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Policy Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

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Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, led the Nigerian delegation to the talks with a senior official from India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Mr Surjit Bhujbal. According to Adeniyi, the engagement marked another step toward achieving smarter and more integrated customs systems.

“We are intensifying efforts to tackle undervaluation, abusive transfer pricing, and to improve system integration between customs and tax authorities,” Adeniyi said. “Additionally, our joint actions in curbing the importation of substandard pharmaceuticals yield results and protect public health.

Both delegations discussed boosting cooperation in customs valuation, enhancing risk-based controls, and launching joint technical missions and training programmes. Adeniyi emphasized that shared data systems and intelligence-led operations would strengthen revenue collection and improve enforcement outcomes.

“This partnership reflects our vision of a smarter, collaborative, and globally connected customs administration,” Adeniyi added.

Bhujbal, India’s representative, described Nigeria as a key partner on the African continent and expressed optimism about deepening technical exchanges. “India regards Nigeria as a crucial partner in Africa,” Bhujbal said. “The CMAA has opened a structured channel for mutual assistance, information exchange, and capacity building.”

The Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) was originally signed during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Nigeria in 2024, marking a diplomatic milestone in trade and customs relations between both nations.

Nigeria’s presence at the high-level WCO Policy Commission reflects its commitment to global trade standards and institutional reform in line with international best practices.

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