- Nigeria Customs strengthens trade cooperation with Netherlands.
- Partnership targets better port operations, risk management and faster cargo clearance.
- Nigeria Customs delegation studies Netherlands’ advanced logistics and cargo-tracking systems.
- Cooperation aims to enhance trade facilitation, revenue optimisation and security.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken another step toward modernising Nigeria’s trade environment after sealing deeper cooperation with the Netherlands Customs Administration. The agreement focuses on trade facilitation, border efficiency, capacity development and the adoption of digital systems that speed up port operations.
A delegation from the NCS was in the Netherlands from October 29 to 31, 2025, where Customs leadership engaged in technical sessions, high-level meetings and practical exposure to Dutch port operations. The visit began at the Netherlands Customs Headquarters in Rotterdam, where the team was received by top officials of the Dutch Customs Administration.
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During the sessions, the Nigerian delegation received a detailed briefing from the National Tariff Classification Team, which explained how tariff and origin classification is handled within the Dutch system. This was followed by a risk management presentation led by Dennis van der Wolk of the Customs National Tactical Centre.
The team also met with officials of the International Affairs Department of Dutch Customs, where discussions centred on improving data sharing, joint capacity-building opportunities and digital integration that reduces bureaucratic delays during import and export processes.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the visit showed how structured port operations and data-driven management can speed up trade while increasing compliance. He noted that the Netherlands’ approach to cargo tracking and port coordination demonstrated how collaboration between Customs and port operators can boost revenue and strengthen border efficiency.
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Adeniyi added that Nigeria Customs is committed to adopting international best practices to create a balance between enforcement and trade facilitation, making sure that legitimate trade is supported while security remains a priority.
Director-General of International Trade at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Machiel Zweers, applauded the partnership, describing the collaboration as “a new chapter of institutional trust and shared innovation.” Zweers said the Netherlands is ready to support knowledge exchange and technical cooperation that will help both countries strengthen their customs processes.
