NCS Plans Deployment of 22 New Scanners, Deepens Trade Partnership with US Business Community
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to deploy 22 additional cargo scanners across seaports, airports, and border stations as part of efforts to strengthen trade facilitation and modernise its operations.
The initiative was disclosed by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, Oluyomi Adebakin, during a quarterly engagement between the Service and representatives of the US Chamber of Commerce, US-Africa Business Centre, and American Business Council.
The meeting, held on October 28, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, focused on strengthening bilateral business relations, improving Customs processes, and addressing challenges affecting American businesses in Nigeria.
Adebakin said the Service was also automating licence and permit applications and introducing digital platforms to simplify operations and improve efficiency.
She explained that the initiatives formed part of the NCS’s broader transition towards digital and paperless administrative processes.
The Customs official urged the business community to provide regular feedback on the reforms, stressing that stakeholder contributions would help the Service identify operational gaps and improve service delivery.
Earlier, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to building a modern and transparent Customs administration.
Niagwan said the engagement would strengthen collaboration and economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
She explained that the NCS remained committed to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and improved stakeholder engagement.
According to her, efficient Customs administration requires predictable procedures, transparent tariff policies, timely cargo clearance, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms to promote business confidence and attract investment.
She noted that the meeting provided an avenue to exchange perspectives, address emerging concerns, and improve the working relationship between the Service and American businesses operating in Nigeria or seeking investment opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of the American business community, Kendra Gaither, President of the US-Africa Business Centre at the US Chamber of Commerce, praised the NCS for its role in supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
Gaither stressed that efficient Customs operations directly benefit citizens and businesses by ensuring the smooth movement of goods and facilitating trade.
“When Customs works well, when trade is facilitated, people are the ultimate beneficiaries,” she stated.
She identified agriculture, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and the digital economy as key sectors where effective Customs operations could unlock greater investment opportunities.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria, Margaret Olele, commended the NCS for improvements in trade facilitation, transparency, and engagement with stakeholders.
She congratulated the Service on its recognition as a top-ranked agency in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Compliance Assessment.
The Council further acknowledged progress in the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, Advance Rulings, and dispute resolution, noting that regular engagements with Customs had helped resolve longstanding challenges confronting the business community.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between the NCS and American business organisations in promoting investment, improving trade efficiency, and strengthening Nigeria-US economic relations.
