Juliet Ezeh
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on April 29, 2026, held a diplomatic meeting with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Abuja to strengthen trade relations and customs cooperation between both countries.
During the engagement, the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Saeed, congratulated Adeniyi on his emergence as Chairman of the World Customs Organization, describing the development as a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa.
The ambassador commended the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that the partnership between both countries has yielded positive results, particularly in non-oil trade.
“We have achieved a substantial increase in non-oil trade from the year 2023 to 2025. Despite the challenges over the years, this remains one of the best relationships we have had,” he said.
He disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding has been sent to further strengthen cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and UAE Customs authorities, especially in the areas of trade facilitation and customs administration.
Salem described the Comptroller-General as one of the most valued guests received by the embassy, adding that the Customs management team has worked to sustain Nigeria’s current level of trade growth.
In his response, Adeniyi appreciated the reception and expressed optimism that the engagement would further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and the UAE.
“We are happy to work with the UAE to show the true nature of trade. We also want to make trade easier, especially for SMEs, and use your embassy to bring Customs administrations together,” he said.
He stated that trade relations between both countries have improved within the last two years and noted that the Nigeria Customs Service will continue to engage traders and service providers to improve efficiency and promote legitimate trade.
Adeniyi also emphasized the need for both countries to collaborate in addressing activities that could damage Nigeria’s image abroad, adding that stronger cooperation would enhance security, trust, and economic growth.
This The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties and improve trade relations between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.
