The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has underscored the importance of customs reforms and trade facilitation in unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential and boosting the global competitiveness of its exporters.
Delivering a keynote address on Friday, 5 September 2025, at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, Adeniyi said African economies can only thrive by prioritising efficiency, transparency, and innovation in their customs systems.
“Customs reforms are no longer optional; they are essential for Africa to realise its full potential in trade. We must prioritise efficiency, transparency, and innovation to strengthen the competitiveness of African exporters and advance continental integration,” Adeniyi told delegates.
Nigeria’s Modernisation Drive
Adeniyi highlighted that Nigeria has already embarked on wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernising customs operations. These include:
Digitalisation of clearance processes to ease trade bottlenecks
Improved enforcement mechanisms to strengthen compliance
Capacity building programmes to equip customs officers with modern skills
According to him, these initiatives are central to creating a seamless trading environment that aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
IATF2025: A Platform for Growth
The Intra-African Trade Fair, inaugurated in 2018, has grown into the continent’s largest platform for trade, investment, and economic exchange. The 2025 edition is projected to generate $44 billion in trade and investment deals, connecting thousands of exhibitors, governments, and investors.
Experts believe that reforms such as those outlined by Adeniyi will be crucial in ensuring that Africa benefits fully from opportunities created at forums like IATF.
Nigeria to Host IATF2027
A key highlight of the Algiers event was the announcement that Nigeria has secured hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027).
The development has been widely applauded as recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in regional integration and economic reforms.
“With Nigeria hosting IATF2027, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to showcase the impact of our reforms and demonstrate how Customs can drive sustainable economic growth. The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to creating a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven system that benefits all stakeholders,” Adeniyi stated.
Driving Africa’s Integration
Trade analysts say Adeniyi’s remarks reflect the urgent need for African governments to harmonise policies, strengthen infrastructure, and deepen cross-border collaboration. By doing so, they argue, the continent can move from fragmented markets to a more integrated economy that delivers prosperity.
The Algiers summit, they noted, serves as both a testing ground and a launchpad for Africa’s ambitions under the AfCFTA, where customs reform will remain a defining factor in the continent’s progress.
