The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has advocated for the widespread adoption of the "Nigeria First" policy as a foundation for advancing cross-border trade and national security. He made this appeal while delivering a keynote address at the annual conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Speaking on the theme “Cross-Border Trade and Security Implications on the Nigerian Economy: Taking Advantage of Global Trade Dynamics,” CGC Adeniyi emphasized the need for harmonizing trade facilitation with national security priorities. He revealed that Nigeria’s trade volume surged to ₦196.94 trillion in 2024—an impressive 179.3% increase over the previous year—despite ongoing border security threats.
“Our economic growth depends on achieving the right balance between facilitating trade and safeguarding our borders,” he stated.
Highlighting key milestones, the Customs chief announced that the Service collected a record-breaking ₦6.1 trillion in revenue in 2024, surpassing its target by 20.2%. He attributed this success to the NCS’s adaptability and innovation amidst operational challenges.
Addressing region-specific security threats, Adeniyi detailed the trade disruptions caused by insurgency in the Northeast. However, he noted progress through collaborative frameworks like the World Customs Organisation’s Project Securité par Collaboration (SPC++), which has created alternative trade channels in conflict-prone zones.
In the Northwest, banditry and kidnappings continue to hinder mining activities, while cattle rustling has devastated the livestock value chain—impacting meat and leather industries. In the Southeast, secessionist agitations have strained industrial hubs in Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi. Meanwhile, the Southwest grapples with smuggling of petroleum products, arms, and restricted goods, with seizures worth ₦35.29 billion recorded in 2024 and an additional ₦7.7 billion in Q1 2025.
“These regional challenges force us to choose: either stay stuck in reactive measures or turn our expertise into a strategic edge under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
The CGC highlighted the practical implementation of the Nigeria First policy, particularly through the exclusive procurement of locally assembled vehicles for customs operations—a move designed to bolster local manufacturing and conserve foreign exchange.
Looking forward, Adeniyi outlined a three-phase plan to secure and enhance border trade. In the short term, key border posts such as Seme-Krake (Benin), Jibia-Maradi (Niger), and Mfum-Ekok (Cameroon) will be modernized. Mid-term efforts will focus on building secure trade corridors with surveillance and rapid-response capabilities, while long-term goals include developing Special Economic Zones in border communities.
On the international front, Adeniyi addressed the recent 14% reciprocal tariff imposed by the United States on Nigerian non-oil exports. He described the move as a wake-up call for economic diversification and urged Nigerian businesses to fully embrace the $3.4 trillion AfCFTA market. He also endorsed the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), which facilitates trade across African nations using local currencies.
“With strategic implementation, Nigeria can emerge as the secure gateway to West African markets—turning security investments into regional economic leadership,” Adeniyi concluded.
The lecture was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire.
Comments