Trade Modernization: Nigeria Customs Boss Seeks Public-Private Partnership

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has renewed the call for a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as the most viable path to modernizing Nigeria’s trade operations. During a recent public address, Adeniyi emphasized that the government alone cannot bear the financial and technical burden of transforming the nation’s customs and ports into globally competitive hubs.

“We must partner with the private sector to bring in the technology, expertise, and investment needed to make our systems transparent and efficient,” Adeniyi stated. “The future of trade is digital, and we cannot afford to be left behind due to outdated infrastructure and processes.”

His appeal is not new, but it signals a fresh push for collaboration under the current administration. A landmark Nigeria Customs Modernisation Project, a 20-year concession valued at $3.2 billion, was approved in 2022. The project, which involves private firms like Trade Modernisation Project Limited, aims to fully automate customs processes, including the deployment of scanners at sea ports, airports, and land borders. It is projected to generate over $176 billion for the government over the concession period.

The need for this modernization is urgent. Nigeria’s trade environment is widely criticized for its high cost of doing business, which stems from a combination of factors, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption, and poor transport infrastructure. The lack of modern technology and a single, unified trade platform has also led to revenue leakages and made it difficult for local businesses to compete globally.

By advocating for a stronger PPP framework, the Customs boss aims to unlock the potential of the trade sector. The successful implementation of such a model would streamline import and export processes, reduce delays, and create a predictable business environment. This, in turn, is expected to attract foreign direct investment, boost non-oil revenue, and ultimately contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification.