Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation for Regional Integration
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cross-border cooperation. This collaboration aims to combat illicit trade and strengthen regional integration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The partnership is a significant step toward improving intelligence sharing, harmonizing border procedures, and developing joint enforcement strategies between both nations.
During a high-level visit to the GRA headquarters in Accra, Ghana, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, met with Commissioner-General of the Customs Division of the GRA, Brigadier-General Glover Annan. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in reinforcing cooperation between the two countries.
A Shared Vision for Progress
Brig.-Gen. Annan praised the longstanding cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana, describing both nations as “natural partners in progress.” He emphasized that the two countries are united not only by history and culture but also by a shared vision to strengthen customs operations.
He stated, “The Nigeria Customs Service has continued to inspire our reforms and innovation in Ghana, and we see great opportunities in renewing our collaboration.” Annan also commended the NCS for championing the Customs-Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) initiative. This continental framework was developed in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the World Customs Organisation.
C-PACT Conference: A Vital Platform
The upcoming C-PACT Conference, scheduled for Abuja from November 17 to 19, 2025, will serve as a vital platform for African Customs administrations to advance lawful trade and transparent operations that drive economic growth. Annan expressed confidence that this event will provide valuable insights into strengthening trade across the continent.
Addressing the Growing Threat of Criminal Syndicates
In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the growing threat of cross-border criminal syndicates. He noted that smugglers were exploiting operational gaps between African Customs administrations to traffic contraband and evade duties. Adeniyi emphasized the need to bridge these gaps, as they are the same weaknesses that transnational criminals exploit.
“We must bridge the gaps between our administrations because these are the same weaknesses that transnational criminals exploit,” he said. “The more we work together, exchanging intelligence and building capacity, the stronger we will be against these syndicates.”
Reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding
Adeniyi also recalled that both countries had signed a memorandum of understanding on Customs cooperation in 2001 and called for its urgent review. He expressed a desire to take a second look at the agreement and breathe new life into it. This would allow for the identification of new areas of collaboration that align with today’s challenges and the future vision for African trade.
Promoting Intra-African Trade
Adeniyi sought Ghana’s support for the upcoming C-PACT Conference, emphasizing its significance for promoting intra-African trade. He stated, “Our mission is to strengthen the role of Customs as a major promoter of AfCFTA. We want to increase the volume of trade within Africa and ensure that trade becomes a true driver of growth and prosperity for our people.”
Joint Commitment for the Future
The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to build a renewed bilateral framework centered on intelligence-led enforcement, coordinated border management, and trade facilitation initiatives. This collaborative effort reflects a shared determination to address the challenges of illicit trade while fostering economic growth and regional integration.