CGC Adeniyi pushes unified customs platform as AfCFTA adopts Nigeria’s digital model
Maureen Aguta
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has identified interoperable customs systems as the missing link in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging African countries to embrace a harmonised digital platform to unlock seamless intra-African trade.
Adeniyi spoke in Lagos during the signing of a 20-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement between the AfCFTA Secretariat and Bergmans Security to commence the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026.
He said the absence of compatible customs technologies across African countries has remained one of the biggest barriers to implementing the continent’s ambitious free trade agenda.
“One of the major obstacles that we have faced in this journey of implementing the AfCFTA is the interoperability of our systems,” Adeniyi said.
“All Customs administrations cannot operate at the same level, but when we have interoperability, it becomes easier for all of us to connect to one system and facilitate trade more efficiently.”
The Customs boss described the agreement as a major milestone for Africa’s trade integration efforts, noting that the choice of Bergmans Security to lead the project underscores Nigeria’s growing reputation in customs digitalisation and trade facilitation.
According to him, the development demonstrates international confidence in the reforms undertaken by the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly its deployment of technology to improve cargo clearance, boost revenue generation and strengthen border management.
“We are delighted that a Nigerian company has been entrusted with this responsibility to extend its expertise across Africa and support the implementation of the AfCFTA through enhanced trade facilitation,” Adeniyi said.
Earlier, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, disclosed that the continental body adopted Nigeria’s customs modernisation model after observing the country’s success in leveraging digital technology to improve customs administration.
He said Nigeria’s experience provided a practical template for building an integrated customs ecosystem capable of supporting the objectives of Africa’s single market.
“Today, Nigeria is already benefiting from the deployment of these technologies,” Mene said. “From our perspective, the continent has much to gain from the model introduced here.
That is why we signed this agreement. We believe our partnership with Bergmans Security will help us build a modern, interoperable continental customs system that enables businesses across Africa to benefit from expanded market opportunities.”
The AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project is expected to establish harmonised digital customs platforms across member states, strengthen cross-border customs cooperation, improve revenue collection, reduce trade bottlenecks and accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The initiative is widely seen as a significant step towards creating a seamless customs environment that will lower the cost of doing business, promote regional value chains and deepen economic integration across the continent.