The Traffic

FG Collaborates with China to Digitalize Customs

The Federal Government of Nigeria is expanding its partnership with China to accelerate the digitalization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Over the weekend, high-level talks were held in Beijing between the NCS and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) to bolster cooperation in modern customs practices.

The meeting brought together senior customs officers and top GACC officials to explore knowledge exchange and capacity-building opportunities in customs administration.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the engagement centered on customs training methodologies, modernization models, and technology-driven solutions—key areas in which China maintains a strategic edge due to its central role in global trade.

According to Maiwada, Chinese authorities showcased their advanced customs training infrastructure, which integrates virtual reality, 5G systems, and hybrid e-learning platforms. In 2024 alone, GACC has held over 8,000 physical training sessions and launched 360 online courses.

Nigeria’s role in China-led customs development initiatives was also underscored. Since 2023, more than 200 African customs officers—89 of them Nigerians—have undergone training in areas including trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, food safety supervision, and digital port systems.

The engagement also paved the way for further collaboration, with Nigeria expected to participate in upcoming Customs Modernization Courses and officer development programs at the prestigious Shanghai Customs College.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna