The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Indian Customs Administration to improve trade facilitation and customs operations.

This development follows discussions held during the 92nd Session of the World Customs Organisation Policy Commission in Brussels, Belgium, according to a statement on Tuesday by NCS.

Nigeria’s delegation, led by comptroller-general Adewale Adeniyi, met with Surjit Bhujbal of India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

It noted that the meeting reviewed progress under the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement signed by both countries on November 16, 2024.

It stated that the talks focused on customs valuation, transfer pricing, and aligning customs and tax systems, as outlined in the bilateral CMAA framework.

NCS stated that both parties also addressed concerns over trade in substandard pharmaceuticals, citing successful seizures in Nigeria through improved intelligence sharing.

Mr Adeniyi explained that the discussions build on the strong foundation laid during the CMAA signing in November 2024.

“We are scaling up efforts against undervaluation transfer pricing abuse and are working to integrate customs and tax systems,” the comptroller-general said.

He added that joint operations against substandard pharmaceutical imports were already delivering measurable results and safeguarding public health.

Mr Adeniyi also reiterated Nigeria’s interest in joint technical missions, shared data systems, and capacity-building initiatives with India. He expressed optimism that such collaboration would boost risk management, ensure revenue protection, and tighten trade compliance controls.

“This partnership reflects our drive for a smarter, collaborative, and globally linked customs service,” he added.

The CMAA was signed during the Indian prime minister’s 2024 visit to Nigeria, a key moment in bilateral customs cooperation.

The WCO Policy Commission serves as a vital forum for customs leaders to establish global trade and enforcement policies.

He said Nigeria’s involvement signals its dedication to international best practices and modernising its customs administration.

(NAN)